BPOM launches pocket guide for product testing to improve UMKM quality
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Food and Drug Agency (BPOM) has launched a pocket guide on product testing designed to educate micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) in improving their product quality.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated in Jakarta on Monday that Indonesia has approximately 65.5 million UMKM, contributing around 61.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and employing approximately 119 million workers. Of these 65.5 million UMKM, around 4.2 million operate in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.
“Of these 4.2 million, BPOM has only managed to serve around 1.7 million. This means there are still more than 3 million we have yet to reach. This is a significant responsibility for us,” Taruna stated.
The pocket guide launch represents BPOM’s effort to drive UMKM advancement towards the national economic growth target of 8 percent annually.
Taruna emphasised that UMKM play a significant role in Indonesia’s health and economic resilience. Improving the quality of UMKM products is therefore crucial.
He noted that for Indonesia to achieve high-income country status, its GDP must reach a minimum of $12,500 per capita.
As an institution guaranteeing the safety of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, BPOM is providing practical support through assistance, education and guidance to improve UMKM product safety and quality.
“For example, transforming ready-to-eat food into commercially sterilised food — in the past, such products would spoil after 1-2 days, but through our assistance and guidance, they can now remain shelf-stable for 6 months to 1.5 years,” Taruna explained.
These improved products can then be marketed globally, allowing UMKM to generate additional income and improve their welfare.
The educational initiative also contributes to strengthening product downstream development in Indonesia. BPOM operates various programmes to strengthen UMKM, including Village Safe Food and Market Gateway initiatives.
BPOM received recognition from the Indonesian World Records Museum for the record number of UMKM educated on safety and quality testing awareness. Taruna stated this recognition demonstrates BPOM’s commitment to educating UMKM and boosting the national economy.
Sancoyo Antarikso, Chairman of the Indonesian Cosmetics Companies Association (Perkosmi), commended BPOM’s initiative, noting that cosmetics is a continuously growing category significantly contributing to the national economy. The sector is estimated to be worth more than $10 billion this year, with UMKM comprising the majority of operators. “We welcome the launch of this pocket guide on testing, especially for UMKM,” he said.
Betsy Monoarfa, Deputy Head of UMKM Empowerment at the Indonesian Food and Beverage Producers Association (GAPMMI), stated the education could serve as reference material for UMKM to upgrade their operations. “Importantly, they must understand that food safety is non-negotiable. It cannot be compromised, even for UMKM products,” she said.