The increase in product registration shows that many business players have moved to the traditional medicine and cosmetic sectors
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) said it is providing assistance to herbal and cosmetic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve product quality so they can remain competitive amid the pandemic.

"We understand that the pandemic has had an impact on various aspects of the economic sector, especially MSMEs. But, on the one hand, there is also a high demand for health products, including herbal products, traditional medicines, and cosmetics," head of BPOM, Penny K. Lukito, said at the Assistance Seminar for Herbal and Cosmetic MSMEs on Wednesday.

The number of MSME in herbal and cosmetic registering their products with BPOM has also continued to increase, she added.

"The increase in product registration shows that many business players have moved to the traditional medicine and cosmetic sectors," Lukito noted.

In addition, the increase in product registration is also in line with public demand for local products, she said.

"More people are starting to become aware that they must buy products with a BPOM license since the products are guaranteed to be safe," she observed.

BPOM is committed to providing assistance to business players, especially MSMEs, in their effort to gain competitiveness, both domestically and internationally, Lukito emphasized.

She also said she hopes that the COVID-19 pandemic will be over soon to help the tourism industry bounce back and encourage MSMEs to survive.

"We are grateful that the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia has improved. Local herbs and cosmetic producers can start to prepare themselves to be more competitive with their unique and natural products," she remarked.

Lukito said the trend of people choosing natural products is an opportunity for cosmetics and traditional medicines producers to develop and penetrate the export market.

"Indonesia has a biodiversity that can be processed into herbal products, herbal medicines, and also cosmetics. And this is what we call wellness tourism," she remarked.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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