Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving access to and the quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. One of the strategic initiatives currently being strengthened is the development of Village Pharmacies (Apotek Desa) as the frontline of basic healthcare services that are accessible to the public.
The Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives are once again showing their dedication to community welfare by launching a new business unit, the Merah Putih Village Pharmacy.
Through cross-sector collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT), and local governments, the Village Pharmacy program is being revitalized with a more integrated approach. These pharmacies are not only expected to provide essential medicines but also serve as centers for health education, basic consultations, and the distribution of medical supplies.
The Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) has voiced its strong support for the Village Pharmacy initiative introduced by President Prabowo. The program is seen as a means of delivering affordable healthcare services directly to the village level.
The Village Pharmacy initiative is formally mandated through Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 9 of 2025 on the Acceleration of Establishing Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives.
“Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2025 states that the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives will implement activities including Village/Urban Pharmacies, which will be established in 80,000 villages and urban areas across Indonesia,” said apt. Noffendri Roestam, S.Si., Chairman of the Central Executive Board of IAI (PP IAI).
He emphasized that the Village Pharmacy is a brilliant idea aimed at making healthcare more accessible in remote areas.
“For IAI, our main concern is ensuring that these Village/Urban Pharmacies truly operate effectively so the original objectives can be achieved. IAI is fully committed to optimizing the program to ensure its national success,” Noffendri added.
He also highlighted the practical solution offered by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin as a smart move.
“The Minister stated that there is no need to create new regulations. We just need to optimize existing facilities. According to the Minister, there are 54,000 existing healthcare facilities — including community health centers (puskesmas), auxiliary puskesmas, and integrated health service posts (posyandu) — that can be integrated into the Village Pharmacy program. IAI’s role is to ensure pharmacists are ready to support this initiative,” Noffendri explained.
He further stated that IAI is confident many pharmacists will be willing to serve in villages as long as their welfare and safety are guaranteed.
“Pharmacists are greatly needed at the village level. As outlined in Ministry of Health Regulation No. 74 of 2016 on Pharmacy Service Standards in Community Health Centers, pharmacists can help expand service coverage by conducting home care and clinical pharmacy services,” said Noffendri.
The Village Pharmacy program also promotes the active involvement of local pharmacy personnel and health graduates from rural areas, encouraging them to return and serve in their hometowns. The government is providing incentives and special training to ensure village pharmacists deliver services that meet national standards.
The government calls on all community members and village administrations to support the sustainability of the Village Pharmacy as an integral part of the national healthcare system. This effort is expected not only to improve rural public health but also to strengthen village independence in healthcare services.
