Increase in the illegal smuggling and use of sexual enhancement products along the PNG-Indonesian border
Findings from a recent baseline study carried out by the Research Team of the Office of Censorship in May, 2024 indicated a steady increase in the illegal smuggling and use of sexual enhancement products or SEPs along the PNG-Indonesian border.
It shows that most of these SEPs are illegally brought into the country, especially across the country’s land border at Wutung.
Deputy Chief Censor, Ms. Ilikomau Ali revealed this during an advisory workshop for the West Sepik Provincial Censorship Committee. She highlighted the importance of setting up the provincial committee and the role that this committee will play in terms of implementing the Censorship Policy II 2021-2025.
She added that soon after signing the terms of reference last year for the formation of the committee, the research officers then carried out the baseline study in May this year to show what was happening in the province.
The findings from the study clearly indicated that the SEPs are passing through most of the country’s entry points without proper checks, she said. “These products pose health risks, and are entering our country at an alarming rate. One of the reasons why we signed the TOR here is because of the border. It is an important border because it is the gateway to Asia and we cannot turn a blind eye on the activities at the border,” Ms. Ali said.
Ms. Ali told the advisory workshop that the sexual enhancement products are being distributed and used but people are reluctant to talk about it due to fear of being ridiculed or shamed. However, the Deputy Chief Censor reiterates that these products may not be medically certified and often poses medical risk for the end users.
“We are in this modern world where censorship issues must be addressed openly because it’s affecting every member of the community. It’s affecting the family,” Ms Ali said.
Ms. Ali further added that the baseline survey found that people generally understand that it is illegal to import and use SEPs but they are just ignorant.
Chief Censor Mr. Jim Abani also said that the baseline survey gives the Office an insight into an issue which must be addressed by all responsible agencies, including the Office of Censorship. He indicated that a lot of these SEPs are secretly brought into the country via a network that has been existing for some time and it needs a collaborative effort from all affected agencies to ensure the Country’s point of entries are secured.
The committee members all indicated the need for more awareness to be conducted on the health risks associated with the use of SEPs. Meanwhile, Deputy District Administrator of Vanimo Green District, Anton Wanpia acknowledged the work done by the Office of Censorship in addressing the illegal smuggling of SEPs across the border.
Mr. Wanpia who is also a member of the West Sepik Province Censorship Committee urged all members to work together with the Office of Censorship to at least address some of these issues.