TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, has assured that there will be no changes to work programs or services despite a significant budget cut. The agency's budget has been reduced by 41% from its initial allocation of Rp2.56 trillion.

"We still have around Rp1.4 trillion remaining," Taruna said when met at his office in Jakarta on Thursday, February 13.

Taruna explained that his team had carefully strategized and recalculated expenditures to ensure that the budget cut would not affect BPOM's core programs. The revised allocation includes Rp880 billion for employee salaries, Rp200 billion for operational costs, and Rp300 billion dedicated to priority programs.

"We are optimistic that with this Rp300 billion, we can still effectively carry out our duties across Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, while maintaining efficiency," he said.

Taruna further stated that President Prabowo has mandated five priority programs that must continue. These include securing Listed Authority certification from the World Health Organization (WHO), reducing medicine prices, and fostering innovation in biological products. Additionally, BPOM has been tasked with enhancing drug- and food-related research and updating regulatory frameworks.

"We aim to revise outdated regulations related to drug and food supervision, ensuring they are modernized and more effective," he added.

Aside from these five priority programs, BPOM has also been assigned a special role in overseeing the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Taruna stated that BPOM will be responsible for monitoring all aspects of MBG distribution, from verifying the quality of food and beverages provided to ensuring proper serving procedures.

Regarding funding, he clarified that the program's costs will be fully covered by the National Nutrition Agency. He also confirmed that a formal memorandum of understanding has been signed. "The funding will come from the National Nutrition Agency's budget," he concluded.

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