The Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (Badan Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan (BPOM)), Mr. Taruna Ikrar, conducted a working visit to Dexa Site Cikarang. He was warmly welcomed by the leader of Dexa Group, Mr. Ferry Soetikno, at the Dexa Laboratories of Biomolecular Sciences (DLBS). During the visit, Mr. Ferry presented Dexa Group’s commitment to achieving pharmaceutical independence in Indonesia.
“Dexa was established with one core purpose: Expertise for the Promotion of Health. That is the foundation of Dexa’s identity, and wherever Dexan operates, it always upholds this same core purpose,” said Mr. Ferry at the DLBS site in Cikarang on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
The event was also attended by the President Director of PT Dexa Medica, Mr. V. Hery Sutanto; President Director of PT Medela Potentia, Mr. Krestijanto Pandji; President Director of PT Ferron Par Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Benny Sutisna Suwarno; and President Director of PT Anugrah Argon Medica, Ms. Juliwaty. Additionally, Prof. Raymond Tjandrawinata, Dexa Group’s Business Development and Scientific Affairs Director, Antonia Retno Tyas Utami, Quality Management Director, and other directors and management members of Dexa Group were present. Accompanying the BPOM Head was Deputy for Drug, Narcotics, Psychotropics, Precursors, and Addictive Substances Supervision, Ms. Rita Endang; Deputy for Supervision of Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics, Mr. Mohamad Kashuri; Director of Production Supervision for Drugs, Narcotics, Psychotropics, and Precursors, Mr. Bayu Wibisono; and other officials.
In his address, Mr. Ferry highlighted Dexa’s expertise in developing Indonesian Indigenous Modern Medicines (Obat Modern Asli Indonesia (OMAI)) and emphasized its role in achieving pharmaceutical independence in Indonesia. “At DLBS, we develop medicines solely from Indonesia’s natural resources,” he stated.
Mr. Ferry also showcased Dexa Group’s other flagship products, which were successfully exported internationally. He reaffirmed Dexa Group’s commitment to supporting government programs by providing high-quality medicines, including Generic Medicines with Logos (OGB).
Following Mr. Ferry’s remarks, Prof. Raymond Tjandrawinata elaborated on the importance of health resilience in Indonesia, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasized Dexa Group’s ongoing efforts to develop innovative products in line with advancements in global healthcare and detailed several OMAI products developed by Dexa Group.
“We do not use simplicia, but bioactive fractions, as they provide more precise protein receptor targeting compared to extracts or simplicia alone,” he explained.
Prof. Raymond praised BPOM’s initiatives to accelerate processes, particularly in clinical trials, and expressed hope that hospitals would also support these efforts.
BPOM Head Mr. Taruna Ikrar commended Dexa Group’s commitment to advancing pharmaceutical independence in Indonesia. He expressed confidence in the future of OMAI phytopharmaceuticals on the global stage.
“I believe that in the future, natural medicines, especially phytopharmaceuticals, will become a global necessity. I deeply appreciate Dexa Medica’s efforts in developing these natural medicines and being a pioneer,” said Mr. Taruna.
Mr. Taruna also voiced his support for including OMAI phytopharmaceuticals in the National Health Insurance (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN)) program covered by BPJS Health. He emphasized that this would be a significant step toward greater health independence for Indonesia.
“We will advocate for natural medicines to be included in JKN coverage. As for the technology and expertise, I am confident that Dexa Medica is already highly advanced,” he added.
After delivering his remarks, Mr. Taruna toured the research facilities at DLBS and DDC. Mr. Ferry showcased the state-of-the-art technologies utilized by Dexa Group for research purposes.
