RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government is accelerating the permitting process for processed food products made by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This strategic move was implemented through the launch of the SAPA SEMESTA Program for Processed Food MSMEs.

The program is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). It aims to simplify the legal registration process while upholding safety standards for processed food products.

The program was launched by MSME Minister, Maman Abdurrahman alongside BPOM Head, Taruna Ikrar in Jakarta on Monday, July 27, 2026. This initiative directly responds to the President's directive to support local economic growth.

Minister Maman stated that this streamlined permitting process is expected to provide legal certainty and ensure health standards for consumers. “Following up on the President’s directive to serve and optimally foster the growth of Indonesia’s MSMEs, we are collaborating to provide easier access to licensing and BPOM certification for food processing MSMEs,” he said.

Data shows that millions of small and micro food processing businesses still lack official BPOM certification. In response, the government is working to ensure more businesses receive direct assistance with the certification process.

This cross-sector collaboration also involves universities and industrial partners. Through this synergy, the issuance of BPOM Distribution Permits (NIE) is expected to become much faster and more integrated.

BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar affirmed that product safety remains a top priority despite the faster process. “Through the SAPA SEMESTA program, in collaboration with the Ministry of MSMEs’ SAPA UMKM initiative, our services can reach more MSMEs through the issuance of distribution permits, education, and various other forms of assistance,” he said.