Barantin emphasises biosecurity synergy and strengthening veterinary human resources
Bekasi Regency (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) has emphasised the importance of synergy in biosecurity and the strengthening of Human Resources (HR) to transform quarantine veterinarians into more professional, competent, and high-integrity officers within the Barantin environment.
“No matter how advanced the technology and systems are, the quality of decisions is still determined by the competence and integrity of the people. Therefore, integrity is the primary foundation of public trust in quarantine administration,” said Sriyano, Deputy for Animal Quarantine at Barantin RI, while opening the VIII National Congress (Munas) of the Indonesian Quarantine Veterinarians Association (IDHKI) at the Animal Quarantine Technical Testing and Method Hall in Bekasi Regency, Thursday.
He encouraged quarantine veterinarians to continuously develop their competence in line with the rapid advancement of science and the dynamics of animal diseases. He also urged them to adapt to international quarantine standards and master technological developments, including digitalisation, to support the acceleration of public services.
“Furthermore, we must maintain our integrity. I always convey that in the administration of quarantine, integrity is the foundation of public trust. Every action and decision taken by quarantine officers carries consequences for the state. I hope IDHKI can become an important force in building this culture within the Indonesian Quarantine Agency,” he said.
According to him, IDHKI must serve as a strategic partner to Barantin, capable of building open communication, constructive synergy, and mutually strengthening collaboration.
He reminded the assembly of the widespread impact of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in 2022, after Indonesia had been declared free of FMD for almost three decades. The outbreak resulted in national economic losses reaching up to IDR 9 trillion.
Sriyanto expressed hope that this VIII National Congress would serve as a momentum to produce strategic ideas and new leadership ready to face future challenges. These challenges include high levels of public mobility and international trade, rapid digitalisation, and public demands for quarantine services that are fast, easy, transparent, and professional.
He invited all members of IDHKI to maintain the unity and solidarity of the organisation. IDHKI is expected to continue being a professional home for its members to exchange knowledge and provide real contributions to the development of the Indonesian quarantine system.
“Differences in opinion are natural, but once a decision is made, it is time to move in the same direction for the interests of the profession and the nation. The upcoming management must bring a new spirit, increase real contributions, and strengthen the partnership with the Indonesian Quarantine Agency,” he said.
The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Veterinary Association (PDHI), Muhammad Munawaroh, stated that the role of quarantine veterinarians is highly strategic, as they serve as the frontline in protecting Indonesia at its points of entry.
“We realise that we face increasingly complex challenges. Increasing animal traffic, the threat of infectious animal diseases, changes in global trade, and the need to maintain national food security and safety. It is the duty of quarantine to maintain biosecurity,” he explained.
He hoped that quarantine veterinarians would be able to socialise biosecurity measures to other veterinarians to ensure a shared understanding of biosecurity.
“My message is: maintain the integrity, competence, and independence of quarantine veterinarians. Maintain integrity and independence when meeting importers and exporters. I am proud that so far there have been no reports of misconduct regarding quarantine veterinarians, and I ask that this be maintained,” he said.