Collaborative Efforts of BPOM and AAM Reinforce Pharmacists’ Role in Antimicrobial Resistance Management in Pekanbaru

The control of antibiotic use remains a shared concern in Indonesia. Based on the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey, 41% of oral antibiotics were obtained without a doctor’s prescription within the past year at the national level. In Riau Province, the figure reached 33%.

In addition, most non-prescription antibiotics are sourced from licensed pharmacies or drugstores, accounting for 61.3% nationally and 60.4% in Riau. These findings underscore the critical need to strengthen the role of pharmaceutical personnel in ensuring the rational use of antibiotics to mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

As part of the healthcare ecosystem, PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) continues to reinforce its role as a strategic partner to pharmacies by delivering a high-quality, secure, and compliant distribution network, while supporting responsible medicine use within the community.

To enhance awareness among pharmaceutical professionals on antimicrobial resistance, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), through the Pekanbaru Regional Office, collaborated with PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) to conduct a technical guidance session for pharmacists on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The program, titled “Technical Guidance on Antimicrobial Resistance Control in Pharmaceutical Service Facilities,” was attended by the Head of BPOM Pekanbaru Regional Office, Alex Sander, S.Farm., Apt., M.H., along with his team, and joined by 70 Pharmacists-in-Charge (PICs) from various pharmacies across Pekanbaru.

Also present at the event were the Head of Pharmaceutical Installation and Health Logistics of the Pekanbaru City Health Office, Mrs.Riche Helmy, S.Farm., Apt.; the Chairman of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) Riau Province, apt. Adrian Mulya, S.Si., MKM.; the Chairman of the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Companies Association (GP Farmasi) Riau Province, Mr. Hari Sandi; Regional Operations Manager of PT Anugrah Argon Medica, Mr. Wiratama Listyo Diyatmoko; and Head of AAM Pekanbaru Branch, Mr. Asep Rahmat.

In his remarks, Mr. Alex Sander expressed appreciation for AAM’s initiative in organizing this collaborative effort. He emphasized that antimicrobial resistance control is a critical issue requiring collective attention, particularly from Pharmacists-in-Charge at pharmaceutical service facilities, who serve as the frontline in antibiotic distribution to the public.

Through this initiative, PICs are encouraged to further strengthen their role in ensuring rational antibiotic use, including dispensing in accordance with prescriptions, providing patient education on proper antibiotic use, and managing pharmaceutical waste responsibly.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting pharmacies and Pharmacists-in-Charge in strengthening their role in antimicrobial resistance control through regulatory compliance, responsible distribution, and public education. We believe that strong synergy between regulators, distributors, and pharmacies can deliver meaningful impact in promoting the rational use of antibiotics,” said Mr. Wiratama Listyo Diyatmoko.