AAM and GoApotik Participate in BPOM’s Initiative to Promote AMR Awareness and Healthy Solutions

PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) participated in Self-Care AMRun 2026, organized by Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) at Taman Inspirasi Muntig Siokan, Mertasari Beach, Sanur, Bali, on Sunday, November 1.

During the event, AAM, through Argon Peduli, handed over ABSO Drop Boxes (Ayo Buang Sampah Obat dengan Benar, or “Dispose of Medicine Waste Properly”) to BPOM for distribution to five pharmacy representatives in Bali.

The symbolic handover was conducted by Prof. Taruna Ikrar, Head of BPOM; dr. William Adi Teja, Deputy for the Supervision of Drugs, Narcotics, Psychotropics, Precursors, and Addictive Substances; and I Gusti Ngurah Bagus Kusuma Dewa, Head of the Center for Drug and Food Control in Denpasar.

They were accompanied by Juliwaty, President Director of AAM; Sulviria, Head of Quality & System at AAM; and Marthinus Mandala Hendry, Head of AAM’s Denpasar Branch.

The five pharmacy representatives receiving the ABSO Drop Boxes were Apotek Adhi Guna Farma 2, Apotek Anugerah, Apotek Henna Pharmacy, Apotekku Group, and Apotek Indobat Group.

Through this initiative, AAM supports the availability of medicine disposal facilities through its pharmacy partners, helping the public access appropriate facilities to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed responsibly.

“Through our participation in Self-Care AMRun 2026, AAM supports public health education by providing ABSO Drop Boxes to pharmacy partners in Bali. We hope this initiative will help raise public awareness of the importance of proper medicine disposal,” said Juliwaty.

The ABSO program is part of efforts to promote proper medicine waste management. Medicines that are no longer needed should be handled appropriately and not discarded indiscriminately. The availability of ABSO Drop Boxes at pharmacies provides the public with designated facilities for disposing of medicine waste.

“The ABSO program is important in supporting pharmacy partners in providing medicine disposal facilities for the public. By disposing of medicines that are no longer needed through appropriate facilities, we can encourage more responsible medicine waste management and help protect the public and the environment from the risks of improper disposal,” said Sulviria, Head of Quality & System at AAM.

AAM’s participation aligns with the theme of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2026, One Health, One Action: Prevent AMR. This global observance aims to raise public awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the importance of responsible medicine use.

Prof. Taruna Ikrar, Head of BPOM, highlighted that the use of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription remains a serious concern. Based on BPOM’s evaluation data for the 2022–2025 period, the proportion of antibiotic use without a doctor’s prescription remains close to 80 percent.

“Out of every 100 people using antibiotics, around 80 do so inappropriately because antibiotics are prescription-only medicines,” said Prof. Taruna Ikrar during a press briefing at Self-Care AMRun 2026 in Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

He also warned that antimicrobial resistance could become a silent pandemic, posing a broader threat to public health. Therefore, the public should use antibiotics in accordance with a doctor’s diagnosis, prescription, and instructions, rather than taking them on their own initiative.

GoApotik Brings #SolusiSehat Di Mana Saja

In addition to AAM, GoApotik participated in Self-Care AMRun 2026 through an educational booth and digital engagement activities. Visitors could learn about GoApotik’s health solutions, obtain information about access to health products, download the GoApotik app, and participate in games with attractive prizes.

“GoApotik joined BPOM at Self-Care AMRun 2026 to support healthy lifestyle education. As #solusisehat di mana saja, GoApotik strives to make it easier for people to access and purchase safe and trusted health products,” said Ruth Retno Dewi, Director of GoApotik.

Through their active participation, AAM and GoApotik support efforts to raise public awareness of responsible health practices, from proper medicine waste management to the use of digital solutions that address everyday healthcare needs.