Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority Boosts Lab Skills and Food Safety Curriculum

The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) in Makassar conducted a four‑day technical guidance for laboratory staff, aiming to raise competency in testing drugs, natural‑based products, supplements and cosmetics. BPOM chief in Makassar, Yosef Dwi Irwan, highlighted the need to meet ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards and to detect illegal or unsafe products.

Separately, BPOM is finalising the inclusion of food‑safety material in the national school curriculum. Deputy for Processed Food Safety, Elin Herlina, said the move seeks to embed a culture of food safety among students, stressing that safety must precede quality and nutrition in the food supply.

Both initiatives target improved public‑health protection through stronger laboratory capacity and early education on safe food practices.