According to the head of Indonesia’s National Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), reinforcing food-safety protocols can significantly boost the national economy. Current certifications, permits and recommendations issued by BPOM already contribute nearly IDR 6,000 trillion (about USD 370 billion) annually by helping industries expand. BPOM projects that improving processes—such as issuing certifications more quickly without compromising safety—could raise the annual economic contribution to between IDR 7,000-8,000 trillion (approximately USD 432-494 billion).
In addition to economic gains, BPOM links food safety to public health outcomes and long-term productivity. Globally, one in ten people fall ill from contaminated food each year, and 420,000 die annually—with 40 % of victims being young children. To address these issues, BPOM has launched programs like “Healthy People Aware of Safe Food” and trained over 100,000 individuals and schools. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, reduce malnutrition and foodborne illness, and in turn drive productivity and income growth—contributing to the vision of a “Golden Indonesia”.
