RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are stepping up cooperation to reinforce health regulation across the Western Pacific, with a focus on helping other countries reach WHO Maturity Level 3. The initiative reflects both nations’ growing role as recognized global regulators after attaining WHO-Listed Authority (WLA) status.

BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, that the partnership is strategically positioned to expand capacity-building, training exchanges, and regional harmonization platforms. “We want to ensure this collaboration delivers tangible benefits for public health protection, drives innovation, and strengthens regional stability in the WHO Western Pacific region,” he noted.

The talks build on Ikrar’s official visit to Canberra in August 2025, where the two agencies launched the inaugural Indo-Pacific Regulatory Strengthening Program (RSP) internship. The program has since provided valuable knowledge transfer from TGA, accelerating Indonesia’s shift toward a more adaptive, efficient, and risk-based regulatory system.

Beyond human resource development, discussions also covered advanced therapy regulation -- including gene therapies and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) -- as well as clinical trial oversight, e-cigarette and novel nicotine product regulation, and joint assessment mechanisms to speed access to innovative medicines.

BPOM further proposed strengthening bilateral reliance practices in line with WHO’s Good Reliance Principles, emphasizing transparency, legal clarity, consistency, and respect for national sovereignty.

TGA Deputy Secretary Anthony Lawler welcomed the proposal, describing Indonesia as a key partner in regional regulatory strengthening. “TGA views BPOM as a regulator that is increasingly mature and credible. With both countries now holding WLA status, there is greater scope for structured reliance pathways and deeper technical collaboration,” he said.

Indonesia also highlighted its potential as a hub for multinational clinical trials, supported by an integrated regulatory framework, a large and diverse population, and extensive networks of hospitals and clinical researchers. The collaboration with TGA is expected to bolster research partnerships and facilitate clinical trials across the Asia-Pacific region. ***