To celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Korea, BPOM participated in The 2024 Indonesia-Korea Joint Symposium on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. This meeting aimed to enhance collaboration between BPOM and South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The focus was on strengthening the pharmaceutical industry and improving human resource capacities in both countries.
A Call for Synergy
In his virtual speech, Soo-deok Park, representing the South Korean Embassy in Indonesia, expressed optimism. He emphasized that this is the ideal time for Indonesia, as it strengthens its healthcare system, to partner with Korea’s advanced medical technology. According to him, Indonesia-Korea pharmaceutical cooperation could significantly improve lives in both nations and foster mutual growth.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Taruna Ikrar, Head of BPOM, outlined four main areas where both countries could collaborate:
- Pharmaceutical Standardization: Indonesia can learn from Korea’s advanced regulatory framework.
- Research and Development (RnD): BPOM aims to adopt South Korea’s strong commitment to pharmaceutical R&D.
- Human Resource Development: Indonesia can leverage its large workforce to advance its pharmaceutical industry, with support from Korea.
- Innovation and Health Crises: The partnership is expected to improve both countries’ readiness for future health crises.
Continued Growth and Cooperation
Indra Lampora from the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Companies Association (GP Farmasi) pointed out that the presence of the Korean pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia boosts the local economy. He expressed hope that Indonesia will become a hub for Korean pharmaceutical investments.
Lee Jang Hee from KOTRA Jakarta shared the South Korean government’s dedication to human resource development. He highlighted ongoing efforts, such as seminars and B2B meetings between Korean and Indonesian pharmaceutical companies, to foster this collaboration.
Lee Jae Guk, Vice Chairman of the Korea Pharmaceutical & Bio Association, noted that Korea’s new drug development has surged fourfold in the past five years. He hopes that this symposium will open new business opportunities in the health sector for both countries.
The symposium featured three presentation sessions. These sessions covered industry trends, regulatory systems, and medical devices. Bilateral meetings were also held to discuss future collaboration. Plans include workshops and laboratory visits.
