Jakarta, February 1, 2026 — The Europe Today: The Republic of Indonesia, through its Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), has become the first developing country to be included in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Listed Authority (WLA) for vaccine regulatory functions.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar announced in Jakarta on Sunday that the prestigious status was granted in December 2025, positioning BPOM strategically within the global vaccine ecosystem. This recognition underscores the strength and reliability of Indonesia’s national vaccine regulatory system.
“Global recognition through BPOM’s designation as a WLA was not achieved overnight,” Ikrar said. “Strengthening the regulatory system has been built through consistent policies, enhanced human resources, transparent governance, and a sustained commitment to continuous improvement.”
He highlighted BPOM’s guiding principles—reaching high, staying grounded, and being deeply rooted—as essential for balancing adherence to global standards with tangible public protection.
The WLA status reflects international confidence in Indonesia’s regulatory system, confirming that it is robust, transparent, and aligned with global standards. However, Ikrar emphasized that the recognition holds value only if it directly benefits public health by ensuring vaccine quality, safety, and accessibility.
“I must stress that WLA is not the end point, but the beginning of a greater responsibility,” he added.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Bobur Alimov welcomed the milestone, noting that the WLA designation significantly enhances Indonesia’s regulatory credibility on the global stage.
Through this achievement, BPOM reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a credible, adaptive, and influential authority at national, regional, and international levels.
