Indonesia tightens food safety to curb toxic pesticides

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Trade Ministry have strengthened a strategic cooperation to tighten oversight of food safety monitoring across Indonesia against threat of toxic pesticide residues in fresh products.

The cross-sector collaboration was formalized on Monday (June 8) with the signing of a joint agreement in Jakarta, timed to commemorate World Food Safety Day.

According to Bapanas Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Safety, Andriko Noto Susanto, food safety is a non-negotiable aspect of public health.

Food must be entirely free from chemical, biological and physical contaminants before it reaches consumers, he emphasized.

Currently, the government's primary concern is the prevalence of chemical pesticide residues that exceed permitted thresholds. Controlling these residues is deemed critical not only for consumer longevity but also for the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

According to Andriko, the push for stricter regulations comes amid concerning global data, with international losses due to contaminated and unsafe food have reached an estimated US$310 billion.

To translate the agreement into immediate action, Bapanas has deployed mobile food safety laboratory vehicles to several provincial governments. These mobile units are expected to drastically expand the scope and speed of rapid food testing in local markets.

Additionally, official regional food safety authority certificates were distributed to strengthen local institutional capacity in overseeing the safety of fresh food.

To maintain high standards, the central government routinely evaluates and re-certifies regional authorities on an annual basis.

Indonesia's food safety supervision operates under an integrated, three-pronged framework, including fresh plant-based food monitored by Bapanas, animal-derived food overseen by the Agriculture Ministry, as well as seafood products regulated by the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

Through this coordinated framework, Indonesia’s national fresh food security index reached over 61 points in 2025, surpassing the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) target of 60 points.

This upward trajectory in food safety infrastructure is viewed by officials as a foundational pillar for realizing the "Indonesia Golden Generation 2045" vision.

Trade Ministry’s Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Compliance Moga Simatupang affirmed that his agency will utilize its extensive network of laboratory facilities and market inspectors to monitor food quality post-market.

"We welcome this collaboration with the National Food Agency. Together, we will ensure that the safety and quality of fresh food provided to the community remains absolutely guaranteed,” he concluded.

Related news: Indonesia seeks to become regional biosecurity hub with FAO support

Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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