In a press conference here on Tuesday, Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar stated that strong food safety attracts investment and supports the creation of a healthier, more productive generation, which are essential to achieve Golden Indonesia vision.
According to him, BPOM’s certifications, permits, and recommendations already contribute nearly Rp6,000 trillion (approx. US$370 billion) annually to the economy by enabling industries to grow.
He opined that the contribution can be boosted further to some Rp7 thousand–8 thousand trillion (around US$432–494 billion) per year. One example is by granting certifications within shorter period without sacrificing the food safety standards, Ikrar remarked.
"With everything we can do, we will help our people, until one day, our people, our nation, can achieve (the dream of) Golden Indonesia," he said.
Ikrar underlined that becoming a developed country requires significant income growth. Currently, Indonesia’s per capita income stands at US$4,700, he said. To achieve developed-nation status it must rise by at least 50 percent to US$6,000.
"Someday in next 20 years, Indonesia could reach US$12,500 of average income," he said.
He opined that the figure would signify that Indonesia has become a developed nation. To achieve such goal, BPOM rolled out the Healthy People Aware of Safe Food (Germas Sapa) initiative, which aims to improve public awareness of the importance of food safety.
According to him, food safety is relevant to creating great talents to pursue Golden Indonesia.
He cited data from WHO, which shows that 1 of 10 people fall ill from contaminated food, and every year, 420 thousand people die because of foodborne disease. Of the victims, 40 percent are toddlers, he pointed out.
Moreover, nutritional issues are found among Indonesian children, such as stunting, wasting, overweight, and obesity. These issues may lead to catastrophic consequences, he warned.
Through Germas Sapa and as part of efforts to ensure food safety in Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, his administration has trained more than 100 thousand individuals and schools on food safety.
He expressed hope that the effort can boost Indonesia's economic progress.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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