BPOM and Indonesia-Thailand Chamber of Commerce Discuss Investment and Export Opportunities
Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) is exploring opportunities for cooperation with the Indonesia-Thai Chamber of Commerce to strengthen the pharmaceutical and food sectors and promote increased investment and exports between Indonesia and Thailand. The discussions took place during an audience in Jakarta on 28 April 2026, which also addressed plans for follow-up activities such as business matching in Bangkok and academic collaboration at Chulalongkorn University. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that the pharmaceutical and food sector makes a major contribution to the national economy. He noted that this sector accounts for around 30 to 35 per cent of economic activity in Indonesia. Taruna emphasised that every product circulating in Indonesia must comply with regulatory provisions, including holding a distribution permit as a guarantee of safety, quality, and efficacy. He also stressed that foreign companies must have a local partner or legal entity in Indonesia to market their products. In efforts to promote exports, BPOM recorded the issuance of more than 52,000 Export Certificates (SKE) in 2025 for products sent to 185 countries. The agency also provides export consultation services to help businesses meet regulatory standards in international markets. In addition, BPOM continues to strengthen its global standards-based surveillance system, including through achieving WHO-Listed Authority (WLA) status, which boosts international confidence in Indonesian health products. From the partner side, INTCC General Secretary Donny Yogantoro stated that they see great potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries. He emphasised the importance of synergy between businesses and the government in increasing trade and investment. This audience is expected to be the initial step towards more concrete cooperation, while also opening wider opportunities for Indonesian and Thai businesses to access global markets.