RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has intensified food safety inspections nationwide ahead of the Ramadan fasting month and the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The government seeks to ensure that food products circulating across the country are safe for consumption.

The effort is led by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), which is conducting simultaneous inspections across Indonesia through its regional offices. The results were reported on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with findings of 56,027 unsafe food products.

Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, said the initiative was launched in response to increased food consumption during the religious season. According to him, intensified monitoring has been implemented across the country through dozens of regional technical units.

“Food surveillance intensification is carried out simultaneously by 76 of our technical implementation units from Sabang to Merauke,” he said.

Ikrar added that BPOM has strengthened coordination with law enforcement and maritime authorities. It is to prevent the entry of illegal food products into Indonesia, especially from the border.

“BPOM is enhancing its cooperation with various parties, one of which is the Indonesian National Police, including the water police. Then there is the Coast Guard, with the Navy, with whom we cooperate,” he stated. Furthermore, he mentioned that public participation is also considered an important component of the monitoring system. He said that BPOM is committed to continuing efforts to educate businesses and consumers about food safety regulations while encouraging the public to report suspected violations.

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, typically sees a surge in food purchases during Ramadan, particularly for ready-to-eat meals and festive products sold ahead of Eid. BPOM said the inspections target the entire food distribution chain, including importers, distributors, traditional markets, modern retail outlets, and online marketplaces.