BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said here on Friday that the move aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives.
The innovation was also recognized by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) as the first major AI-based public service leap in Indonesia.
According to him, the development of science and technology is extraordinary, and the use of AI is inevitable; hence, BPOM is gradually adopting this technology.
“We understand that certification and registration processes, standardization, and what we call recognition processes, which fall under our duties related to drugs and food, already have specific databases,” he said.
For instance, cosmetics cannot contain mercury or other harmful ingredients. The AI system stores these standards and applies them during registration and permit issuance.
“This process mitigates noncompliance: if a product does not meet standards, it is automatically rejected,” he said.
After passing the first filter, additional monitoring occurs through post-marketing surveillance.
BPOM’s cyber, intelligence, and investigation directorates can also conduct random inspections, he pointed out. Products found noncompliant will face immediate action, including permit revocation, public warnings, and legal measures if necessary.
"This AI system will be gradually expanded to other products, including standardized herbal medicines, supplements, food, and pharmaceuticals," Ikrar said.
He added that BPOM will evaluate the AI system’s effectiveness for integration into next year’s work programs.
Previously, BPOM Deputy for Processed Food Supervision, Elin Herlina, stated that AI implementation in the supervision of drugs and processed foods is inevitable.
“Supervision now must extend to the online realm, including misleading advertisements and illegal sales, which can no longer be handled manually. Therefore, AI is no longer optional, but an inevitability,” Herlina said.
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Translator: Mecca, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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