BPOM and AAM Synergy Strengthens Awareness of Rational Antibiotic Use in Manado

Controlling antibiotic use remains a shared priority. According to Indonesia’s 2023 Health Survey, the proportion of oral antibiotics obtained without a doctor’s prescription within the past year reached 41%. In North Sulawesi Province, the figure is even higher at 65.9%.

In addition, nationally, 61.3% of non-prescription antibiotic access occurs through licensed pharmacies and drug stores. These findings highlight the need to strengthen education and oversight on the rational use of antibiotics across pharmaceutical facilities to mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

As part of the healthcare ecosystem, PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) plays an active role as a strategic partner to pharmacies in ensuring the distribution of high-quality, safe, and regulatory-compliant products, while also supporting the rational use of medicines within the community.

As part of efforts to enhance awareness among pharmaceutical professionals regarding antimicrobial resistance, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), through its Regional Office in Manado, collaborated with PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) to organize an educational session and technical guidance program on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Four Points Hotel Manado.

The event, titled “Technical Guidance to Enhance Awareness of Responsible Pharmacists (APJ) as an Effort to Control Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)”, was attended by the Head of BPOM Manado, Hermanto, S.Si., Apt., MPPM; AAM Regional Operation Manager, Mr. Andre Prasetyo; Head of AAM Manado Branch, Mr. Adam; and 50 Responsible Pharmacists (APJ) from various pharmacies across Manado.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Hermanto expressed appreciation for AAM’s initiative in organizing this collaborative program. He emphasized the importance of synergy between regulators and industry players in strengthening understanding and compliance with rational antibiotic use.

He also underlined the importance of positioning antimicrobial resistance as a shared concern in raising awareness about proper antibiotic use and the risks associated with AMR.

“BPOM, AAM, and pharmaceutical service facilities are strategic partners within the healthcare value chain, particularly in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics. Through this collaboration, we aim to promote more responsible distribution practices, strengthen public education, and ensure proper pharmaceutical waste management as part of our collective efforts to curb the growth of antimicrobial resistance,” said Mr. Andre Prasetyo.

The Manado initiative forms part of a broader series of educational and collaborative programs between AAM and BPOM across various cities in Indonesia, aimed at strengthening the quality of pharmaceutical distribution, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and increasing public awareness of the risks of antimicrobial resistance.