For those who want to buy drugs at the pharmacy or locally known as Apotek in East Jakarta to remain cautious. This is because, 812 out of 1,000 pharmacies in 10 sub-districts are not supported by a license to sell drugs.

In East Jakarta, there are more than 1,000 pharmacies but only 188 already have trade license and the rest are illegal

"Many pharmacies do not have license. In East Jakarta, there are more than 1,000 pharmacies but only 188 already have trade license and the rest are illegal," said Head of East Jakarta Health Department, Yudhita Endah Prihmaningtyas, Thursday (10/2).

According to Prihmaningtyas, the amount of pharmacies that do not have a license is a serious problem for the government and people. It can cause hundreds of pharmacies would be a means of circulation of counterfeit drugs and could harm the consumer.

Hence, socialization keeps being held intensively that license processing is free of charge. "Pharmacists can process the license through the One-Door Integrated Service (PTSP) at the office of East Jakarta Mayor," he disclosed.

She asserted if pharmacists remain reluctant to licensing, their pharmacy will be closed down. "This year we have closed down 3 illegal pharmacies in Kramatjati, Pramuka Market and Cibubur," she told.

Meanwhile, Head of the Food and Drug Control (POM), Dewi Prawitasari appealed people to be more careful in buying drugs at the pharmacy. "If you need further information, please contact halo BPOM at (021) 500533 or message ULPK at (021) 32199000," he explained.

On the other side, pharmacists who have difficulty to check producer number, can contact the Jakarta POM via email bpom_jakarta@pom.go.id or check out website at POM Agency.