Indonesia's BPOM Earns Global Recognition as WHO Listed Authority for Vaccine Oversight
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has been recognized as a WHO Listed Authority (WLA) for vaccine oversight.
- BPOM is the first middle-income country authority to achieve this status, placing it alongside regulators from 38 developed nations.
- This recognition signifies that Indonesia's vaccine surveillance system meets global standards, enhancing public trust and potentially facilitating international access to Indonesian vaccines.
Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has achieved a significant global milestone by being recognized as a WHO Listed Authority (WLA) for vaccine oversight. This prestigious designation places BPOM among an elite group of 38 regulatory bodies from developed countries, marking Indonesia as the first middle-income nation to attain this status. The WLA recognition, officially listed on the WHO website on December 21, 2025, signifies that BPOM's vaccine surveillance system meets the highest international standards. This achievement is comparable to that of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, which also received WLA status during the same period. The acknowledgment by the World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to bolster public confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines used in Indonesia. Furthermore, it enhances the global standing of Indonesian pharmaceutical and vaccine products, potentially leading to their recommendation by the WHO for international use. BPOM's role is increasingly strategic as Indonesia pursues industrial self-sufficiency and aims for a greater global presence. The agency is tasked not only with ensuring product safety but also with fostering innovation, streamlining services, and strengthening national competitiveness in the health sector. In an era of digital transformation and evolving industry landscapes, BPOM's adaptation ensures its continued relevance, speed, and trustworthiness. The agency's new status is a testament to its robust regulatory framework and its commitment to upholding global health standards. CNN Indonesia will further explore this achievement in a podcast featuring the Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.