Indonesia’s BPOM Expands Testing for Global Drug Innovations

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has prepared its laboratories to handle the growing number of imported drugs, cosmetics, supplements, and food products.

BPOM’s testing facilities are designed to guarantee the safety and quality of various products, including innovative drugs being developed worldwide.

“Our laboratories are prepared to test any sophisticated product, including innovative drugs and new products. BPOM’s laboratories continue to be strengthened to keep up with global technological developments,” BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said during a press conference at the BPOM Office in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Ikrar explained that BPOM’s authority encompasses research, premarket and postmarket supervision, and law enforcement in the areas of drugs and food. This authority is crucial because Indonesia still relies heavily on imported raw materials for many products.

Around 90 percent of drug raw materials are imported, either as raw materials or intermediate products. Meanwhile, the national cosmetics industry dominates about 80 percent of the domestic market, with multinational products filling the remainder.

“Domestic supplement producers continue to grow, but some are still produced by multinational companies due to their links to the global pharmaceutical industry,” Taruna said.

In the food sector, he noted that most products are produced domestically, though some commodities are imported. Laboratory readiness is therefore essential to ensure that all products in circulation meet safety, quality, and efficacy standards.

“When it comes to readiness as a testing laboratory, BPOM remains among the best in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. We have a complete testing laboratory,” he said.

He added that BPOM has the capability to test food, narcotics, and even virus-related drugs through its high-standard animal center facilities. This capability enables BPOM to keep pace with technological developments and the introduction of new products in Indonesia. (Misni Parjiati)