RRI.CO.ID, Batam - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) is strengthening food safety standards from start to finish to make Indonesian horticultural products more competitive in the international market.

Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Safety at Bapanas, Andriko Noto Susanto, said the policy is crucial given the growing opportunities for vegetable exports to Singapore via Batam, which is part of the Riau Islands.

The proximity of the two regions presents a strategic opportunity to expand Indonesian exports of fresh produce. However, consistent implementation of food safety standards from cultivation to consumer is necessary to seize this opportunity.

“We must respond to opportunities in the global market with solid food safety standards. If our food products are safe and well‑produced, they will be highly competitive in the international market,” Andriko said on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during a visit to PT Batamindo Green Farm, a Batam‑based agribusiness specializing in vegetable cultivation and post‑harvest handling.

The production process of various vegetables has been inspected, from planting to post‑harvest handling at the packing facility. Andriko noted that the company has implemented appropriate food safety standards throughout.

“The company has applied Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) during cultivation and obtained a Certificate of Good Handling for Fresh Food of Plant Origin (SPPB‑PSAT) at the packing facility,” he added.

He explained that implementing food safety standards demonstrates how improving product quality and market development can go hand in hand. Products that meet these standards are more likely to enter premium markets, including exports.

Bapanas requested that PT Batamindo obtain a Prima Certificate to guarantee the quality of its fresh food products. The company is also expected to expand its contract farming model with local farmers to promote the adoption of food safety standards.

Andriko hopes that Batamindo’s cultivation and handling practices will serve as an example for other businesses. “The more people implement food safety standards, the stronger the position of Indonesian horticultural products will be in domestic and export markets,” he said.

Strengthening food safety is part of the government’s strategy to build a safe, high‑quality, and competitive fresh food ecosystem. This will be advanced through coaching, supervision, stronger standards, and certification.

The government aims to ensure that more Indonesian fresh food products meet international market criteria, thereby opening wider export opportunities in various countries. (Misni Parjiati)