We should build the spirit of patriotism. I always nurture the values of patriotism and nationalism and spread them to all of BPOM.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) Head Penny Kusumastuti Lukito encouraged her staff to apply heroic values in their efforts to build the nation's independence and competitiveness in science and food.

"We should build the spirit of patriotism. I always nurture the values of patriotism and nationalism and spread them to all of BPOM officials," she noted at the Inter-Generation Dialogue observed from the BPOM YouTube channel on Wednesday.

Lukito affirmed that the values of patriotism, nationalism, and sincerity that heroes displayed as they fought for their nation should be applied to BPOM's staff in their day-to-day operations.

The BPOM head also pointed out that the nation's independence was apparent from BPOM's performance in building a scientific-based analysis system, especially for medicines and vaccines that are crucial in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Not just medicines and vaccines, but traditional medicine also become a challenge for BPOM to develop," she pointed out.

Meanwhile, in the food sector, the BPOM has become a ray of hope for several parties, especially for food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), she stated.

"MSMEs hope that the BPOM will monitor and have the capability to contribute to the recovery of Indonesia's economy," she elaborated.

She shared her experiences in leading BPOM for five years. Lukito spoke of always having led with passion for art.

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Lukito opined that in addition to passion, a leader should truly comprehend the momentum. These two aspects are what they called art. In addition, leaders should possess the values of loyalty and integrity.

"These values will give us strength when we face a tough situation," she affirmed.

She also lauded the work of every BPOM staff member, who continued to walk on the right path, as they held science and truth as principles.

"Scientific truth will be accepted by many people. I also lauded the experts and deputy for always providing support for the sake of BPOM," she added.

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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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