Pharmacy in Indonesia encompasses a rich history, a dynamic present, and a future marked by significant developments and challenges. As an essential component of the healthcare system, pharmacy in Indonesia plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective management of medications, promoting public health, and advancing pharmaceutical sciences. This article provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacy in Indonesia, covering its historical development, current structure, and future prospects.

Historical Development

Colonial Era

Pharmacy in Indonesia began to take shape during the Dutch colonial period. The early focus was on meeting the pharmaceutical needs of the colonial administration and expatriate communities. The Dutch introduced formal pharmaceutical training and established early pharmacy practices, primarily centered around the production and distribution of medications for colonial use. The colonial period laid the groundwork for the institutionalization of pharmacy but also reflected the imbalances of the time, focusing more on serving colonial interests than local healthcare … READ MORE