The Indonesian National Police are coordinating with the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (BPOM) to draft regulations concerning the use of nitrous oxide (N2O, commonly known as "laughing gas") to prevent its abuse for recreational purposes. This move comes after the recent death of a social media influencer, which has attracted widespread public attention.
Zulkarnain Harahap, Head of the Third Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s (Bareskrim) Narcotics Crime Unit, pointed out that these initiatives aim to ensure compliance with the 2023 Health Law (Law No. 17) and to determine whether N2O should be included under the regulatory scope of the 2009 Narcotics Law (Law No. 35).
He made these remarks on Friday while providing an update on the investigation into the death of 26-year-old influencer Lula Lahfa. Police had found a pink N2O canister in an apartment in Dharmawangsa, South Jakarta, and are continuing their investigation.
Harahap urged the public not to misuse N2O in pursuit of excitement or hallucinations, especially in entertainment venues or non-medical settings, emphasizing the serious health and safety risks involved.
He stated that N2O is primarily used in the medical field as an analgesic and anesthetic, regulated under Minister of Health Regulation No. 4 of 2016, and is limited to legitimate medical environments. Outside of medical use, N2O is also used in automobiles, agriculture, and the food industry—such as in whipped cream dispensers as a propellant—all of which are legal and regulated uses.
The police stated that further examinations are underway regarding the relevant evidence to clarify the course of events. Authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening cross-departmental cooperation, improving regulations, and curtailing the improper use of N2O to ensure public safety.