Promoting Appropriate Antibiotic Use, AAM and BBPOM Banjarbaru Strengthen Pharmacists’ Role in South Kalimantan
Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires appropriate knowledge and practices across all levels of pharmaceutical care. To support this effort, PT Anugrah Argon Medica (AAM) Banjarmasin Branch, collaborated with the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BBPOM) in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, to organize a Technical Guidance Program on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The program was attended by approximately 50 representatives from pharmacies across South Kalimantan.
The technical guidance program featured three speakers: Anna Yulisbeth Simangunsong, S.Farm., Apt., Head of the Inspection Team at BBPOM in Banjarbaru; Mrs. Marisa Hafizah Yusaz, S.Farm., Apt., representing the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office; and Rahmanto, a pharmacist and healthcare influencer.
In his opening remarks, Acting Head of BBPOM in Banjarbaru Bambang Mr. Hery Purwanto, S.Farm., Apt., representing the Head of BBPOM in Banjarbaru, emphasized the importance of collaboration among regulators, local governments, businesses, healthcare professionals, professional organizations, and the public in addressing antimicrobial resistance. According to him, cross-sector collaboration is essential to promote appropriate antibiotic use while raising public awareness of responsible medication use.
During the sessions, the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office discussed the fundamentals and risks of antimicrobial resistance, as well as the implementation of antimicrobial use guidelines. Meanwhile, BBPOM in Banjarbaru provided insights into regulations and policies governing the management and dispensing of antibiotics, including the role of pharmaceutical professionals in ensuring that these practices comply with applicable requirements.
The sessions also highlighted the role of pharmacists in promoting rational medicine use, including appropriate indications and dosage, patient safety, and treatment adherence. In practice, this role extends beyond dispensing medicines to educating the public, ensuring that information on appropriate antibiotic use is clearly understood and properly applied.
Perspektif tersebut diperkuat melalui sesi bersama apt. Rahmanto yang berlangsung interaktif dengan membahas berbagai tantangan yang dihadapi apoteker dalam memberikan edukasi kepada masyarakat.
Salah satunya adalah masih adanya masyarakat yang meminta antibiotik tanpa resep serta belum memahami perbedaan antibiotik dengan obat untuk infeksi lainnya. Karena itu, kemampuan apoteker menyampaikan informasi dengan bahasa yang mudah dipahami menjadi bagian penting dalam membangun kesadaran dan kepercayaan masyarakat.
Sejalan dengan hal tersebut, Kepala Cabang AAM Banjarmasin, Bapak Oskawijaya, menegaskan komitmen AAM untuk mengambil bagian dalam mendukung peningkatan kapasitas tenaga kefarmasian dan edukasi mengenai penggunaan antibiotik yang tepat.
This perspective was further explored during the session with Mr. Rahmanto, which featured an interactive discussion on challenges commonly faced by pharmacists when educating the public. These include requests for antibiotics without prescriptions and limited public understanding of the differences between antibiotics and other medicines used to treat infections. Therefore, pharmacists' ability to communicate information in clear and accessible language is essential to building public awareness and trust.
In line with this commitment, Mr. Oskawijaya, Head of AAM Banjarmasin Branch, reaffirmed AAM's commitment to supporting the capacity building of pharmaceutical professionals and public education on appropriate antibiotic use.
“This program reflects AAM’s commitment to continuously supporting the knowledge and competence of pharmaceutical professionals, particularly in promoting appropriate and responsible antibiotic use. Through collaboration with BBPOM in Banjarbaru and other stakeholders, we hope this technical guidance program will strengthen the role of pharmacists in educating the public while contributing to collective efforts to address antimicrobial resistance,” said Mr. Oskawijaya.
The event was also attended by Mr. Deni Fahrizal, Customer Relations Manager at AAM, and Mr. Elhas Adelse Nameza, Quality Operation Officer at AAM.
AAM’s support for this program is part of the Company’s efforts to contribute to strengthening the healthcare ecosystem. Enhancing the capacity of pharmaceutical professionals and improving public awareness are important steps toward promoting appropriate and responsible antibiotic use. Through collaboration with regulators, local governments, and healthcare professionals, AAM continues to support educational initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of healthcare services for communities.
