BPOM Receives WHO Listed Authority Status, Etana Reports Immediate Export Inquiries

Jakarta — The success of Indonesia’s National Pharmaceutical and Food Control Agency (BPOM RI) in obtaining WHO Listed Authority (WLA) status from the World Health Organization has delivered positive impacts for the national pharmaceutical industry. Vaccine manufacturer PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia is among the beneficiaries of this achievement.

The WLA status represents the highest form of recognition for the quality, integrity, and credibility of a country’s drug and food regulatory system. Countries obtaining WLA status receive international recognition, enabling their pharmaceutical and vaccine products to be registered in the category of WHO-recommended products.

Andreas Donny Prakasa, Director of Corporate Relations at PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia, stated that BPOM RI’s achievement in obtaining WLA status is an extraordinary blessing. The recognition has a significant impact on companies operating in vaccine manufacturing.

“Recently, several countries have come directly to us saying they want our products for export. Previously at PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia, we have many young people; the company is driven by young people, including young founders,” he said during a Health Forum titled “BPOM Achieves WLA Status, What Are the Benefits for Business Practitioners?” on Friday (27 February 2026).

Initially, Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia was uncertain whether Indonesian pharmaceutical products could reach global markets. This question was answered by BPOM’s attainment of WLA status, which increased confidence amongst local entrepreneurs.

“Our production teams and staff also notice that once BPOM inspects us and we complete BPOM registration, our standards match those in America and Europe. This boosts confidence in our people,” he explained.

Ultimately, Prakasa expressed confidence that the company can compete in the international market, supported by rigorous oversight and supervision from BPOM. The agency conducts inspections and evaluations at both pre-market and post-market stages. With such oversight, Etana is confident in product quality and the data it possesses.

Thanks to BPOM’s supervision, Etana is increasingly prepared to enter global markets. Currently, approximately 80 per cent of Etana’s workforce comprises young professionals from diverse backgrounds, including both domestic and foreign graduates, as well as professionals who have recently returned to Indonesia.

BPOM’s achievement in obtaining WLA status will foster optimism regarding the advancement of Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry. The status delivers tangible impact at technical and operational levels.

With BPOM’s support and achievement of WLA status, Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry no longer needs to feel inferior to other nations. Indonesia has demonstrated its ability to stand equal with developed nations worldwide.

“We should truly be equal with developed nations worldwide, and we congratulate BPOM for this achievement. It is very meaningful to us, and it is time for Indonesia to serve the world,” he concluded.