“BPOM, as part of the government, supports Perkosmi (the Association of Indonesian Cosmetics Companies) together with related stakeholders, ministries/institutions, local governments, and academicians, and especially those who use cosmetics made from Indonesian natural ingredients," BPOM's deputy for supervision of traditional medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics, Reri Indriani, said at the “2022 Indonesia Cosmetics Ingredients (ICI) Expo & Seminar,” here on Tuesday.
According to her, BPOM has initiated a special program to help develop thematic cosmetics, which use natural raw materials as ingredients.
"This will have a positive impact on improving wellness tourism," she said.
Thematic cosmetics are made from natural ingredients and are associated with their respective regions. For instance, Balinese cosmetics are associated with scrubs and spa products, Javanese cosmetics with traditional royal palace (keraton) treatments, and Banjarmasin cosmetics with cold creams (bedak dingin).
Indonesia ranks third out of five countries that have rich biodiversity, Indriani noted. Given this natural potential, dependence on imported cosmetic raw materials must be gradually reduced to make the Indonesian cosmetics industry independent, she said.
Cosmetics are not only meant for beauty purposes but can also help maintain the health of the skin, hair, and other parts of the body. Therefore, she emphasized, it is necessary to have safe and useful cosmetics.
Chairperson of the Association of Indonesian Cosmetics Companies, Sancoyo Antarikso, said cosmetics are not just makeup products.
According to him, both women and men can use cosmetics from head to toe, or all over the body.
"Cosmetics are actually items used for the human body, including for hair to toe. (For example,) toothpaste and mouthwash are used by women and men from birth to death," Antarikso said.
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Translator: Lia S, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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