Karding: Barantin Applies Zero Tolerance to Problematic Imported Commodities

BOGOR - Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) Abdul Kadir Karding emphasized that his agency would not tolerate imported commodities that were proven to violate quarantine provisions.

According to him, any violation that has the potential to threaten biological security and the halal product guarantee system will be dealt with firmly, including through destruction to legal proceedings if criminal elements are found.

The confirmation was conveyed by Karding after the Indonesian Quarantine Agency destroyed 312 tons of imported feed raw materials in the form of Meat Bone Meal (MBM) from Brazil which was proven to contain porcine DNA based on laboratory test results.

"The state must not be complacent about the risk of pest and disease threats, nor from the aspect of halal. Every imported commodity must meet all applicable requirements. Barantin does not tolerate any violations because the impact is directly related to the safety and comfort of the community," said Karding in Bogor, West Java, Wednesday, July 22.

He emphasized that the function of the Barantin is not merely to issue documents or supervise commodity traffic, but to ensure that every media carrying animals, fish, plants, and products meets health and safety requirements before circulating in Indonesia.

According to Karding, the destruction of commodities that violate quarantine requirements is a form of the government's commitment to maintaining national biosafety while providing certainty to the public that goods that do not meet the provisions will not be reused.

"We want the public to know that every commodity that is detained by officers is actually destroyed according to procedures. This is a form of transparency as well as a deterrent for business actors to be more obedient to the rules," he said.

Karding also reminded all business actors to increase compliance with quarantine regulations, ranging from the completeness of documents to the suitability of commodity conditions with health certificates issued by the country of origin.

"I hope that in the future, entrepreneurs will follow the rules more orderly. It doesn't matter who the owner of the business is. If there are indications of a crime, I will bring it to the criminal," he said.

The results of the DKI Jakarta Quarantine laboratory tests, which were strengthened by the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Standard Testing Center, confirmed that the imported feed raw materials from Brazil contained porcine DNA. The findings were considered not in accordance with the health documents (Health Certificate) accompanying the commodity so that the Indonesian Quarantine Agency determined the destruction action in accordance with the provisions of Law Number 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine.

Karding added that compliance with quarantine regulations is not only a legal obligation for business actors, but also a shared responsibility in protecting public health, maintaining biological security, supporting the halal product assurance system, and strengthening confidence in commodities circulating in Indonesia.

Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Organizing Agency, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, who was also present at the event, expressed his appreciation for the quarantine measures taken and the prevention of the same commodities that will also come to Indonesia by Barantin.

He reminded entrepreneurs to obey existing rules and regulations, because it is in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, namely to protect all nations and all Indonesian blood. Haikal also emphasized that this activity is a tangible form of excellent collaboration and will continue to be maintained.