Indonesia’s national pharmaceutical sector is poised for a major global upgrade as the country moves closer to achieving WHO-Listed Authority (WLA) status. Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, affirmed Indonesia's commitment to strengthening its regulatory system—covering drugs, vaccines, and medical oversight—to meet advanced international standards. During the final review stage with the WHO Technical Advisory Group (TAG-WLA) in December 2025, BPOM detailed its comprehensive transformation efforts, which include institutional capacity building and adopting risk-based approaches in product evaluation and integrated surveillance across 76 service offices nationwide.
This WLA pursuit is a strategic move designed not just for public health but also for economic empowerment. A globally recognized regulatory system is projected to increase international investor confidence, significantly boost the competitiveness of the national pharmaceutical industry, and unlock wider access to global markets, especially given Indonesia's strategic position in the WHO Western Pacific Region. BPOM is also pushing for digital transformation in regulatory services to ensure the local industry can grow alongside global innovation, solidifying Indonesia's role as a key player in the global health supply chain.
