Officials with the lubricants association said the purpose of the event was to draw attention to government and industry efforts to reduce lube counterfeiting and to educate consumers about the risks of counterfeit lubes and how to avoid them.

“Since its inception, we have hoped that Aspelindo can become a bridge between domestic lubricant producers and the government to encourage the development of the lubricant industry in line with established regulations and standardization,” association General Chairman Sigit Pranowo said in a news release, referring to the organization by its Indonesian acronym.

Speakers cited a 2016 law, which Aspelindo promoted, that established a national SNI standard of quality for automotive engine oils and requires companies selling such products in the country to gain approval and display a symbol signifying that they adhere to the standard.

Association officials commended the national government for raids on operations accused of producing fraudulent finished lubes, including two sites where arrests were made last spring.

Officials contend that sales of cheap counterfeit finished lubricants are on the rise in Indonesia, likely due in part to inflation.

“This act of counterfeiting is indeed widespread and must be immediately eradicated in the interests of consumer safety,” Pranowo said. “Apart from consumers who are disadvantaged, we as trademark owners also feel disadvantaged.”

The Manhattan Hotel show, which allowed comments and questions from audience members, was the latest in a series of events aimed at drawing attention to the issue. In May the Directorate of Consumer Affairs hosted the association for an audience that was covered by local news groups.