The Role of Indonesian Food and Drug Authority in Implementation of Online Drug Distribution in Banyumas Regency

Background: Online drug distribution services provide greater benefits for the convenience of broader pharmaceutical services in reaching all levels of society. This convenience not only has a positive impact but also hurts the rampant circulation of illegal drugs. In the evaluation of the cyber operations report from 2021, Banyumas Regency contributed the most online drug distribution in Central Java, with a total of 215 sites. This research intends to examine the role of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (FDA) in implementing Indonesian FDA Regulation No. 8 of 2020 as an effort to combat illegal drug distribution online, especially in the Banyumas area. Methods: This research was conducted using a descriptive analysis method for cases of online drug trafficking violations. Data was collected in May-August 2023 using interviews with Indonesian FDA officers in Banyumas who were directly involved in implementing online drug distribution regulations. The data obtained regarding the role of the Indonesian FDA in implementing its regulations, as well as cases of online illegal drug distribution in Banyumas in 2021-2022, were then analyzed using an empirical juridical approach. Results: The results of surveillance through cyber operations obtained 317 sites of violation cases of illegal drug distribution, with a total of 16,557 products sold. This result illustrates that the implementation of Indonesian FDA Regulation No. 8 of 2020 by the Indonesian FDA in Banyumas has not been able to tackle violations of online illegal drug distribution. Conclusion: Implementation of Indonesian FDA Regulation No. 8 of 2020 by FDA Indonesia in Banyumas is carried out with preventive and repressive strategies through monitoring and coaching activities. The results of its implementation have not been able to control online drug trafficking violations, as evidenced by the increase in reports of illegal drug and cosmetic traffic violations in Banyumas. The high number of violations is caused by the relatively rapid growth of accounts compared to supervision and the lack of witnesses for perpetrators of violations who do not provide a deterrent effect. So, it is necessary to increase cross-sector supervision and collaboration as well as coaching activities for business actors and the community to suppress and overcome online drug trafficking violations. Keywords: Distribution of Illegal Drugs, Online Drug Distribution, Regulation Implementation, Telepharmacy.