Thousand Islands District Lacks Pharmacies, BBPOM Highlights Drug Circulation in Shops

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Major Drug and Food Supervisory Agency (BBPOM) has highlighted the lack of conventional pharmaceutical facilities, such as official pharmacies or drug stores, in the Thousand Islands District. “This requires serious attention because a number of shops not only sell snacks but also medicines and cosmetics,” said the Head of BBPOM Jakarta, Sofiyani Chandrawati Anwar, in Jakarta on Friday. She emphasised that without proper supervision, the circulation of these drugs risks triggering antimicrobial resistance, which has broad implications for public health. “The Thousand Islands has unique characteristics because, in that island region, there are no pharmacies or official drug stores,” she said. She explained that the absence of official pharmacies or drug stores leads to the distribution of medicines such as herbal remedies, health supplements, hard drugs, and cosmetics being sold to the public through small retail shops. Her agency recommends the establishment of a Local Drug and Food Supervisory Office (Loka POM) to expand supervision at the local level. According to her, this establishment is based on the 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 supervision while facilitating public access to BPOM services. In addition, Loka POM plays an important role in carrying out direct supervisory functions over 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 District Government collaborated with the Jakarta Major Drug and Food Supervisory Agency (BBPOM) to strengthen supervision of consumable food and medicines in the cluster of islands north of Jakarta. “The Thousand Islands District is committed to continuously improving supervision and maintaining food quality for the health of the community and visiting tourists,” said the Deputy Regent of the Thousand Islands, Aceng Zaeni, in Jakarta on Friday. He hopes that the synergy with BBPOM will continue and produce various strategic programmes that benefit the residents.