79 Years of Indonesian Independence, Yet Thousand Islands Regency Lacks Pharmacies

Indonesia has been independent for 79 years, yet the Jakarta Major Agency for Drug and Food Control (BBPOM) has spotlighted the absence of conventional pharmaceutical facilities such as pharmacies or official drug stores in the Thousand Islands Regency. “This requires serious attention because several kiosks not only sell snacks but also medicines and cosmetics,” said the Head of BBPOM Jakarta, Sofiyani Chandrawati Anwar, in Jakarta on Friday (27/3). She emphasised that without proper oversight, the circulation of these drugs risks triggering antimicrobial resistance with broad impacts on public health. “The Thousand Islands has unique characteristics because in that island region, there are no pharmacies or official drug stores,” she said. She noted that the lack of pharmacies or official drug stores means the distribution of drugs such as herbal medicines, health supplements, hard drugs, and cosmetics is sold to the public through small retail kiosks. Her agency recommends the formation of a Drug and Food Control Oversight Post (Loka POM) to expand oversight at the local level. According to her, this formation is based on BPOM Regulation Number 22 of 2020 on the Organisation and Working Procedures of Technical Implementation Units, which was later updated through BPOM Regulation Number 3 of 2025. The presence of Loka POM can shorten the reach of oversight while facilitating public access to BPOM services. In addition, Loka POM plays an important role in carrying out direct oversight functions for drug and food products in regional areas. According to her, through these efforts, it is hoped that comprehensive protection can be provided against the circulation of drug and food products that do not meet safety standards. Previously, the Thousand Islands Regency Government collaborated with the Jakarta Major Agency for Drug and Food Control (BBPOM) to strengthen oversight of consumable food and drugs in the cluster of islands north of Jakarta. “The Thousand Islands Regency is committed to continuously improving oversight and maintaining food quality for the health of the community and tourists visiting,” said the Deputy Regent of Thousand Islands, Aceng Zaeni, in Jakarta on Friday. He hopes that synergy with BBPOM will continue and produce various strategic programmes beneficial to residents.