Indonesia seeks to become regional biosecurity hub with FAO support

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) is seeking to position Indonesia as a regional hub for biosecurity through collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), amid rising biological risks and surging global trade.

"The FAO is a key partner for Indonesia. Its experience and network are vital to strengthen our national biosecurity system while enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market," Barantin Head Abdul Kadir Karding said in a statement received on Thursday.

According to Karding, the role of the quarantine agency has evolved beyond merely inspecting commodities entering and leaving the country.

He stated that the quarantine system also functions to safeguard food security, protect biological resources, and ensure safe trade in accordance with international standards.

Therefore, Barantin is aiming for stronger cooperation with FAO in several fields, from strengthening the biosecurity system to modernizing laboratories.

Furthermore, the collaboration is also directed towards enhancing surveillance capabilities, early warning systems, and the development of commodity traceability networks.

Karding underscored that bolstering traceability systems has become critical amid rising demands for food safety and international trade standards.

Barantin hopes the FAO will support the drafting of the 2026–2050 Indonesian Quarantine Grand Design to guide the long-term development of the national quarantine system.

Indonesia, he noted, is strategically positioned to become a regional biosecurity hub for the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, given its status as an archipelago with extensive biodiversity.

"We want Indonesia's quarantine system to not only be robust to protect national interests, but also capable of bolstering regional biosecurity," he said.

Barantin data shows that the export value of Indonesia’s quarantined commodities reached approximately Rp304.7 trillion (around US$16.8 billion) between January and October 2025, underscoring the critical importance of a stronger biosecurity system to safeguard trade security and maintain the competitiveness of Indonesian exports.

Meanwhile, FAO Representative to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal, stated that Indonesia holds a key position in supporting regional food security and safe trade.

He assessed that Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Thus, its quarantine function plays a strategic role in protecting biological resources and ensuring food safety.

Aryal further highlighted that FAO believes that a strong collaboration with Indonesia will significantly contribute to strengthening regional biosecurity through a "one health" approach and cross-sector cooperation.

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Translator: Aria Ananda, Raka Adji

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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