He expressed hope that within a year, BPOM could match the caliber of regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union's FDA.
Ikrar envisions this achievement leading to Indonesian food and drug products meeting the same stringent quality standards as those recognized globally.
Underscoring the critical role of food and drugs in public health, he emphasized the sector's strategic importance, as highlighted by President-elect Prabowo Subianto who considers it a crucial component of national defense.
Beyond regulatory alignment, Ikrar aims to position BPOM at the forefront of treatment innovation.
Drawing from his experience in groundbreaking gene therapy research, he stressed the need for continuous updates to clinical standards to keep pace with scientific advancements.
This, he believes, will facilitate the entry of innovative drugs into the Indonesian market, which is currently hindered by outdated regulatory frameworks.
Ikrar's predecessor, the acting head of BPOM for November 2023–August 2024 Lucia Rizka Andalusia, emphasized the importance of achieving WHO-Listed Authority status for BPOM.
This designation would solidify the agency's global standing and create a favorable environment for the Indonesian pharmaceutical industry to compete internationally.
"Joining the WLA will not only solidify our position as a strong regulatory authority but will also bolster our pharmaceutical industries' competitiveness on the global stage," said Andalusia.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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