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UNPRI Gives Highest Award for Influential Scientists in Pharmacology in Indonesia to Taruna Ikrar

Medan, Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) gave the highest award as an influential scientist in the field of Pharmacology in Indonesia. The award for the title of influential scientist in Indonesia was presented directly by the Chancellor of UNPRI Prof. Dr. Chrismis Novalinda Ginting, M.Kes, to the Head of BPOM Prof. dr. Taruna Ikrar, M.Biomed., Ph.D, at the Ballroom of Universitas Prima Indonesia Medan Jln.Sampul No. 3 Medan, North Sumatra, Saturday (4/1/2025).

The event was attended by the Founder of Universitas Prima Indonesia Prof. Dr.dr. I Nyoman Ehrich Lister, M.Kes., AIFM., Sp.KKLP, Chairman of the Daily Supervisory Board Prof. Dr. Tommy Leonard, S.H., M.Kn, Vice Chancellor 1 Abdi Darma.S.Kom., M.Kom, Vice Chancellor 2 Prof. Dr. Ermi Girsang, M.Kes, Vice Chancellor 4 Dr. dr. Ali Napiah Nasution, M.K.T., M.K.M., Sp.KKLP (K) COPC, Dean and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Minister of Law Supratman Agtas and Acting (Pj.) Governor of North Sumatra Agus Fatoni, also attended by several other rectors, such as the Chancellor of Insan Cita Indonesia University Prof. Laode Masihu Kamaluddin, Chancellor of the University of North Sumatra Prof. Dr. Muryanto, Amin, S.Sos., M.Si, Dean of the Faculty of Military Pharmacy–Defense University Prof. Dr. apt. Yahdiana Harahap, M.Sc., Deputy Head of BRIN Prof. Dr. Ir. Amarulla Oktavian, S.T., M.Sc., DESD., ASEAN Eng., Chairman of the Regional Management Board of the Lemhannas Alumni Association Prof. Yusran Jusuf and Director of the Center for Leadership of Indonesia Prof. Dr. Muh. Nur Sadik, MPM., Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency of the Republic of Indonesia Commissioner General of Police Prof. Dr. H. Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahnie, M.Sc., were present to witness the awarding and scientific oration delivered by the Head of BPOM.

UNPRI Rector Prof. Dr. Chrismis Novalinda Ginting, M.Kes, in his remarks said that UNPRI is committed to contributing to the development of knowledge and technology in the health sector. For this reason, UNPRI gave the highest award for influential scientists in Indonesia to the Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar.

“Prof. Taruna has contributed significantly in the fields of pharmacology, heart health and the nervous system. His works have inspired. On behalf of the UNPRI academic community, I congratulate Prof. Taruna Ikrar, not only as a form of appreciation, but also as encouragement to continue working at the national and global levels,” said Chrismis.

Meanwhile, Minister of Law Supratman Agtas in his speech said that his party did not doubt the award, because Prof. Taruna Ikrar had shown his qualified capacity as a scientist and practitioner. In addition, Taruna's current task as Head of BPOM is not an easy task. This task is an extraordinary burden of responsibility to oversee so many drug and food products circulating in Indonesia.

Head of BPOM RI Taruna Ikrar explained about the silent pandemic which Taruna has also poured into his 2 books entitled "The Threat of Silent Pandemic Due to Antimicrobial Resistance" and "Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance in Indonesia".

In his scientific oration, Taruna explained that the silent pandemic or antibiotic resistance in a person's body caused by antimicrobials is a serious threat to the world. Antimicrobial resistance is now a complex biological phenomenon that threatens humans' ability to control dangerous microorganisms.

Taruna further explained that antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to survive and thrive, even when exposed to antimicrobial drugs that were previously effective in killing them. The spectrum of microorganisms that have the potential to become resistant is very broad, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Taruna Ikrar also outlined several factors driving resistance. The irrational use of antibiotics in both human health and animal husbandry is a major driving factor. This factor has created pressure that drives the accelerated evolution of microorganisms.

When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately, this creates strong selection pressure for microorganisms to adapt and thrive. In addition, globalization, population movement, and global trade are accelerating the spread of resistant strains across regions and continents.

"Efforts to overcome antimicrobial resistance require a comprehensive strategy that focuses not only on the development of new drugs, but also on behavioral and system changes. This requires a multidisciplinary approach involving microbiology, genetics, epidemiology, health policy, and public awareness," said Taruna.

Global awareness of antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. International organizations, national governments