RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is refining its chemical management framework as part of its accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the effort aims to create a safe, competitive, and sustainable national chemical industry.

“We are committed to harmonizing policies and systems for chemical management. This step is expected to boost global confidence in Indonesia’s industry while expanding market access for the chemical sector,” Minister Agus said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The initiative was carried out through the 1st Fact-Finding Mission on Chemicals Management Instruments, which brought together relevant ministries and agencies with the OECD Secretariat. The forum examined Indonesia’s policies, regulations, implementation, and readiness to align its chemical management with OECD standards.

The Ministry’s Director of Upstream Chemical Industry, Wiwik Pudjiastuti, said accession to the OECD strengthens chemical management through policy alignment and coordination. “Through this process, we are not only aligning with international standards but also building a transparent and effective chemical management system,” she said.

Wiwik noted that the chemical industry is closely linked to safety, human health, and environmental protection. She explained that the government is strengthening oversight of hazardous chemicals and harmonizing regulations to ensure consistent health, safety, and environmental protection.

In the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026), the export value of chemical industry products and chemical-based goods reached USD 5.97 billion, a 16.83 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Imports also rose as industrial demand for raw materials increased.

“Strengthening the chemical management system is not just about fulfilling international commitments. These efforts are also a national necessity to ensure that industry grows safely, responsibly, and competitively in the global market,” Wiwik said.

During the three-day mission, participants discussed OECD legal instruments, including the Global Framework on Chemicals, Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), and pesticide regulations.

The program also included a port visit to observe chemical and pesticide monitoring and control in international trade.

Wiwik added that the success of the OECD accession process requires cooperation between the government, the business community, academia, and all stakeholders. “This partnership supports effective policy implementation and strengthens the competitiveness of national industries on a global scale,” she said. (Gusti Panji)