Indonesia Strengthens Biosecurity with Karantina Indonesia Transformation

Enhancing Trade Efficiency and Biosecurity

Indonesia is undergoing a significant transformation of its quarantine system to simultaneously boost trade efficiency and strengthen biosecurity measures. Experts at a recent discussion highlighted the critical need for digitalization and modernization of the current quarantine system ¹

Key Transformation Elements

1. Digital Technology Adoption: Experts emphasize the importance of using advanced screening technologies to enhance both security and efficiency in trade processes. "In this digital era, we can no longer rely solely on human senses. Screening must use technology to ensure smooth yet secure trade flows," explained Wiku Adisasmito, Professor at the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia ¹

   Source 1

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8225325/zulhas-badan-karantina-garda-terdepan-lindungi-ekonomi-pangan-ri
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2. Simplified Coordination: The current multi-agency quarantine system has been identified as a major bottleneck. Consolidating coordination under a single entity is seen as crucial for improving response times and effectiveness, particularly in crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic ¹

   Source 1

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8225325/zulhas-badan-karantina-garda-terdepan-lindungi-ekonomi-pangan-ri
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3. Commodity Traceability: Enhancing the traceability of commodities is another key focus area. This involves implementing robust tracking systems to ensure the integrity of goods throughout the supply chain.

Strategic Importance of Karantina Indonesia

The transformation is part of a broader strategy to protect Indonesia's economic and food security. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Zulkifli Hasan, highlighted that Karantina Indonesia serves as the frontline defense against harmful imports that could damage domestic agriculture and food production ²

Key Challenges and Opportunities

• Protecting domestic agriculture from harmful imports
• Enhancing trade facilitation through digitalization
• Balancing biosecurity with trade efficiency
• Strengthening national economic resilience

Implementation and Support

The transformation initiative is supported by key industry players, including PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA) and PT Suri Tani Pemuka, demonstrating a strong public-private partnership approach to modernizing Indonesia's quarantine system ¹