MAL's ISO9000 certifications now accredited by UK company
JAKARTA (JP): PT Mutuagung Lestari (MAL), which issues standard certification to companies, said on Tuesday that its ISO9000 certification for quality management was now accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS).
It also announced that its ISO14001 certificates for environmental management quality will now carry the endorsement of the National Committee of Accreditation (KAN).
"ISO9000 and ISO14001 are aimed at increasing efficiency and productivity in management and production of local companies so that they can compete internationally," MAL president Arifin Lambaga said at a ceremony to announce the new development and to award ISO certification to 10 companies.
KAN chairman Herudi Kartowisastro said Indonesian companies were beginning to realize the importance of obtaining ISO certification to win in the competitive international market.
Exporters need ISO certificates to convince foreign buyers that their products meet international standards, he said.
MAL is one of 13 Indonesian companies offering ISO9000 certificates and is only the second to give KAN-accredited ISO14001 awards.
KAN is a member of the International Accreditation Forum, the Indonesian equivalent of UKAS, Herudi said.
Arifin said he sought the UKAS accreditation because of growing demand by Indonesian exporters for a more recognized institution to endorse its ISO certificates.
Richard Webb, head of the commercial section at the British Embassy who was present at the ceremony, said MAL was the first Indonesian company to acquire UKAS accreditation.
MAL presented its first ISO14001 certificate to PT Tunggal Agathis Indah Wood of the Barito Pacific Group on Tuesday.
It also presented ISO9000 awards to PT Nusantara Plywood, PT Sumber Mas Indah Plywood, PT Giat Ultra Chemical Industries, Korindo Group, PT Kodeco Batulicin, PT Rimba Sunkyong, PT Tunggal Agathis Indah Wood, PT Tunggal Yudi Sawmill Plywood, PT Sumatra Timber Utama Damai and the Kalimanis Group.
MAL has awarded ISO9000 certificates to 38 Indonesian companies, mostly operating in timber products, Arifin said.
A subsidiary, PT Mutuagung Lestari Quality Assurance (MALQA), provides consultancy services to the company to meet the ISO9000 standards, while PT Mutuagung Lestari Environmental Certification (MALECO) deals with ISO14001 matters.
Arifin said the companies charge service fees ranging from Rp 35 million to Rp 70 million for the ISO9000, and Rp 40 million to Rp 85 million for the ISO14001.
MAL provides other services, including product and laboratory certification, the latter covering quality and calibration laboratories.
MAL manages the certification process to meet the Japan Agriculture Standard (JAS) on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, mainly for wood products.
JAS certification is necessary to enter the Japanese market, especially for timber products.
MAL's service fees for JAS certificates range from Rp 75 million to Rp 150 million, Arifin added. (02)