TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the National Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) Penny K. Lukito highlighted the pharmaceuticals contaminating Indonesian waters and risking public health.

The statement was relayed by Penny during the inauguration of World Environment Day 2023 in Jakarta, on Monday, July 17, 2023. World Environment Day is an annual celebration on June 5 to increase public awareness concerning the importance of protecting, maintaining, and utilizing natural resources responsibly.

"We are committed to continue supporting sustainable production and consumption of food and drug in Indonesia," said Penny.

BPOM noted that presently, Indonesia houses 217 pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, 18 pharmaceutical raw material industries, 1,077 traditional medicine industries, 1,024 cosmetics manufacturing industries, and 4,669 processed food industries.

Meanwhile, a study from IWW Water Centre discovered that 249 pharmaceuticals were detected in groundwater and surface water in Asia-Pacific in 2015, with 11 to 30 pharmaceutical substances distributed all over Indonesia.

According to Penny, the relatively high number of food and drug industries in Indonesia demands a responsible method of production and consumption. Penny said that the pharmaceutical waste contaminating the water caused an imbalance in the ecosystem and health problems, including antimicrobial resistance. "Food and drug are commodities as a result of human activities, which may affect the environment," she said.

The environmental condition also affects the quality and supply of food and drug. "BPOM will continue striving to conduct comprehensive supervision and to urge the industry to practice sustainable drug production and consumption."

The government took a strategic step

The Indonesian government took a strategic step to realize the environmentally conscious development of Indonesia Emas 2045 as "Sovereign, Advanced, and Sustainable Nusantara". One of its principles is sustainable economic development committed to the environment and low carbon emissions.

The event participated by the food and drug industries and environmental practitioners held by BPOM today is intended to harmonize the environmental commitment, especially in the food and drug sector, with the 12th Sustainable Development Foals 2030, to responsibly consume and produce.

Previously, BPOM had held various activities concerning the environment, namely the BPOM for Environment Movement campaign for the locals and business owners in Saparua Islan Maluku on June 17, 2023, and the national record-breaking planting of 1,000 medicinal plants.

ANTARA

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