Indonesian Quarantine Agency Strengthens Laboratory Quality, Secures Reference Material Producer Certificate from KAN

Jakarta — The government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national biosecurity system and maintain the credibility of quarantine laboratory test results continue. The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), through the Centre for Standard Testing of Quarantine for Animals, Fish, and Plants, has successfully obtained a Reference Material Producer Certificate (PBA) from the National Accreditation Committee (KAN). The certificate, number PBA-013-IDN, is valid for five years, from 30 April 2026 to 29 April 2031. This certification recognises the laboratory’s technical competency in producing reference materials in accordance with SNI ISO 17034:2016. Head of the Standard Testing Quarantine, Risma J.P. Silitonga, said that reference materials are a crucial element in ensuring the validity of laboratory test results, particularly for testing quarantine diseases in animals, fish, and plants. ‘The provision of traceable reference materials is intended to support the testing laboratory needs in testing quarantine diseases in animals, fish, and plants,’ Risma said in an official statement on Sunday (18 May 2026). He noted that the certification is not only an administrative achievement but also a strategic step toward the independence of the laboratory testing system in Indonesia. Until now, meeting reference material requirements has been a challenge for several laboratories, particularly regarding quality and traceability standards. With the status as an official Reference Material Producer, the Centre for Standard Testing of Quarantine is expected to be able to supply testing laboratory needs autonomously and more quickly, while maintaining internationally recognised quality standards. Risma said strengthening quarantine laboratories is increasingly important amid rising global trade mobility and the threats of the spread of invasive organisms and transboundary diseases. Therefore, the promotion of a culture of quality, innovation, and professionalism in laboratories continues to be encouraged to support a more adaptive and credible quarantine surveillance system. ‘This achievement also reinforces the Indonesian Quarantine Agency’s commitment to strengthening quarantine laboratory infrastructure that is adaptive, credible, and capable of supporting smooth trade and Indonesia’s biosecurity,’ Risma said.