RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Pakistan has shown interest in learning from Indonesia’s success in strengthening drug and food regulation, following the recognition of Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) at the highest maturity level by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Achieving level 4 maturity is a milestone that boosts Indonesia’s regulatory credibility and positions BPOM to support other countries, including Pakistan, in improving their oversight systems.

Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, speaking at BPOM’s 25th anniversary in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, said Pakistan’s health minister had asked how his country could advance its authority. 

“He came to me asking, ‘How can we reach level 4?’ I told him to visit BPOM and see for himself. They really need support,” Budi said, as quoted by Antara.

With a population of around 240 million, slightly smaller than Indonesia’s 280 million, Pakistan records 6.9 million births annually, far higher than Indonesia’s 4.8 million. The majority of Pakistan’s population is Muslim, creating strong demand for halal-certified vaccines.

Despite being located next to India, the world’s largest vaccine producer, Pakistan faces challenges due to ongoing tensions between the two countries. Minister Budi emphasized that Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry could seize this opportunity by expanding exports of halal vaccines and infant health products.

“He asked for help, and I said I’m open. I will send vaccine companies there,” Minister Budi added.

Pakistan’s drug regulatory authority currently is assessed at level 2 maturity by WHO. Budi encouraged Indonesian experts to share knowledge with their Pakistani counterparts to help them progress to level 3.

WHO’s maturity classification evaluates the performance and effectiveness of national drug regulatory authorities. Achieving level 4 signifies that an agency meets the highest international standards.

Indonesia, alongside Australia, was officially recognized as WHO-Listed Authorities (WLA) in December 2025, joining 41 regulatory bodies from 39 countries. This status grants international recognition, allowing pharmaceutical and vaccine products from these countries to be included in WHO’s recommended list. ***