Hadi Pranoto Claims COVID-19 Antibody Herbs Used In Bali, Head Of Health Office Denies

Illustration of COVID-19 (Bao_5 / Pixabay)

DENPASAR - Hadi Pranoto, who claims to have found the COVID-19 antibody herb, said that the product has been distributed and used in a number of areas including Bali. But this claim is refuted.

"We have never been informed about the product and Bali has never used the herbal medicine," said Head of Bali Health Office, Ketut Suarjaya, confirmed by VOI, Monday, August 3.

Suarjaya also emphasized that he had never met Hadi Pranoto. Apart from Bali, Hadi Pranoto claimed that his herbal antibody for COVID-19 was also distributed to Java and Sumatra.

Hadi Pranoto's name became a topic of conversation after an interview with musician Erdian Aji Prihartanto alias Anji on the YouTube channel talking about COVID-19 antibody herbs. The video was uploaded on Friday, July 31.

In the video that lasts about 31 minutes, Hadi claims to be a professor. He claims to have found an antibody herbal medicine that can cure COVID-19 in a matter of 2-3 days. In fact, the drug is claimed to have been distributed to several parts of Indonesia, such as Java, Bali and Sumatra.

Hadi also claimed that these herbal medicines could cure thousands of patients affected by corona. He claims to have produced thousands of bottles of herbal medicine.

However, Hadi said, there were constraints in terms of budget and costs in the production of these herbal medicines. Because of that, he asked for the help of people who were able to help him.

Regarding this claim, the government spokesperson in handling COVID-19, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito, asked the public not to quickly trust the COVID-19 antibody herbal medicine claimed to be made by Hadi Pranoto.

Wiku emphasized that as long as there is no scientific evidence regarding the herbal medicine, people should not take it. Herbal medicine which is regulated in Indonesia itself consists of herbs, standard herbal medicines, and phyto-pharmacy.

"Please check the product that is claimed by the person concerned, whether it has been registered with BPOM or the Ministry of Health. If the herbal ingredients are still in the research stage and there is no scientific evidence about their safety and effectiveness, they should not be consumed by the public," said Wiku, Sunday, August 2nd.

The community, Wiku continued, could trace Hadi Pranoto's track record. A search to prove whether Hadi Pranoto claims to be a professor.

"For public figures and public figures to always be careful with news sources or references before spreading them to the public. Please check and re-check on the correct and expert sources," he continued.