FAJAR.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Food adn Drug Supervisory Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BPOM RI) carried out the inauguration and taking oaths/promises of functional positions for 88 officials, consisting of 1 functional official at the Main Expert level – which is the highest functional career level – and 87 functional officials from the first, junior and middle levels. This activity aims to strengthen bureaucracy and improve the quality of public services within the scope of BPOM.
In his speech, the Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, highlighted the importance of the competence of functional officials in the midst of an era of disruption and dynamic national and global challenges. He emphasized that BPOM, as the regulatory authority in the medicine and food sector, must be able to adapt and anticipate changes by strengthening the presence of competent functional officials.
“Functional officials must uphold high, down-to-earth and deep-rooted values in every step they take. “They are expected to provide excellent service to the community while strengthening President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita program,” said Taruna.
Taruna also revealed several strategic programs that are the focus of BPOM. One of them is involvement in the free Nutritious Meal program which is designed to support food security and public health. Apart from that, BPOM was also asked to encourage more MSMEs to move up in class and improve the institution’s reputation on the global stage.
“BPOM will continue to strengthen its role, both domestically and at the international level, to ensure drug and food safety and encourage the growth of the creative economy sector through empowering MSMEs,” he added.
“BPOM will continue to strengthen its role, both domestically and at the international level, to ensure drug and food safety and encourage the growth of the creative economy sector through empowering MSMEs,” he added.
How does BPOM support the food and drug safety of micro and small enterprises in Indonesia?
Interview with Taruna Ikrar: Strengthening Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervision Amidst ChallengesEditor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us, Taruna. Let’s start by discussing the recent inauguration of 88 officials at the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). What does this mean for the agency’s mission moving forward?
Taruna Ikrar: thank you for having me. The inauguration of these 88 officials is pivotal as it signifies our commitment too strengthening bureaucracy and enhancing public service quality within BPOM.By appointing officials at various functional levels, we are building a robust team poised to address the dynamic challenges in the food and drug sectors.
Editor: You mentioned the need for officials to uphold high values in their roles. How does this impact their ability to serve the public effectively?
Taruna Ikrar: Upholding high,down-to-earth values is essential in today’s fast-paced environment. Our functional officials are expected to deliver excellent service while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. This,in turn,builds trust with the public and ensures that we are responsive to the community’s needs.
Editor: The agency is involved in numerous strategic programs, one being the free Nutritious Meal program. How does this initiative contribute to food security in Indonesia?
Taruna Ikrar: The free Nutritious meal program is a cornerstone of BPOM’s efforts to support food security and public health.By ensuring access to nutritious meals, we are not only addressing immediate hunger issues but also enhancing the overall health and well-being of our population. This aligns with our goal of empowering communities.
Editor: Speaking of empowerment, can you elaborate on BPOM’s strategies for uplifting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)?
Taruna Ikrar: Absolutely. BPOM is keen on encouraging MSMEs to innovate and improve their products. By providing guidance and support, we aim to elevate their standards and enable these businesses to meet international regulations. This not only enhances the institution’s reputation on a global scale but also stimulates economic growth within Indonesia.
Editor: With the challenges presented by the era of disruption, how is BPOM preparing to adapt to the changing landscape in food and drug safety?
Taruna Ikrar: Adapting to change is crucial, especially as we face global challenges. BPOM is committed to continuous learning and development.We are focused on equipping our officials with the necessary expertise and tools to anticipate trends and respond effectively. This proactive approach ensures that we maintain high safety standards in food and drug products.
Editor: As we wrap up, what practical advice can you offer to our readers regarding the importance of food and drug safety in their daily lives?
Taruna ikrar: Maintaining awareness of food and drug safety is essential for everyone. I encourage readers to stay informed about product labels, report any suspicious products, and advocate for their health. By being proactive, we can collectively strengthen the food and drug safety framework, ensuring a healthier future for all Indonesians.
Editor: Thank you, Taruna, for sharing these insights. Your commitment to enhancing public service and safety is truly commendable.
Taruna Ikrar: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these crucial issues. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and safety of our communities.
