Barantin prepares Rp5 trillion for modernisation of all laboratories

Makassar (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) is prepared to modernise all laboratories across Indonesia with a budget of around Rp4-5 trillion, enabling the laboratories to function more optimally in overseeing quarantine operations.

Head of Barantin, Sahat Manaor Panggabean, stated that the modernisation of laboratories must be carried out immediately so that Barantin can elevate its level to match advanced countries, ensuring greater speed in services and optimal transparency.

“I hope that by 2027, all quarantine laboratories throughout Indonesia will have undergone modernisation. Thus, our laboratory level will be on par with advanced countries and our partner nations,” he said while in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday.

He explained that Barantin will modernise all laboratories from Sabang to Papua with an investment value of around Rp4 trillion to Rp5 trillion. This budget will transform the face of the laboratories, encompassing the replacement of laboratory equipment, building repairs, enhancement of service systems, and strengthening of human resources.

“So, not only will the equipment be advanced, but the human resources must also be trained. We will tidy up all aspects. Hopefully, by 2027, we can be accountable for it,” said Sahat.

Sahat elaborated that the digital service system implemented by Barantin is still in the low-risk category, which takes 6-7 hours to process.

“I have already improved the digital service system, then we will strengthen the laboratories; hopefully next year there will be a loan as well, we will sort everything out, and by 2027 it will be completed,” he stated.