The Minister Of Trade Supports Indonesia's Independence To Meet The Needs Of Drug Baku Materials

Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan when receiving a visit from the Association of Biofarmations and Drug Baku Materials (AB30) in Jakarta, Friday (22/9/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Kemendag)

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan emphasized his support so that Indonesia can be independent in meeting the raw materials needs of drugs and biopharmaceuticals so that it does not depend on imports from other countries.

This was stated by the Minister of Trade when meeting with the Association of Biofarmations and Drug Baku Materials (AB30) in Jakarta.

"The Ministry of Trade supports AB3O's work program which focuses on the independence of the manufacture of medicinal raw materials for Indonesia's health progress," said the Trade Minister as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, September 23.

The Trade Minister appreciated AB3O for trying to develop the independence of Indonesia's raw materials and biopharmaceuticals. Currently, AB30 is exploring cooperation with the vaccine industry in India for the development of biopharmaceuticals and medicinal materials in Indonesia.

"The Ministry of Trade fully supports the development of the biopharmaceuticals and medicinal ingredients industry in Indonesia. In this regard, the Ministry of Trade will coordinate with relevant institutions to facilitate the plan," said the Trade Minister.

Currently, there are several raw materials for drugs that are included in the category of types of goods whose imports are limited in the Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 20 of 2021 Jo. Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 25 of 2022 concerning Import Policy and Regulation.

The raw materials for drugs are included in the category of Hazardous Materials (B2), which are imported for the pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine industry, cosmetics industry, as well as the processed food industry and food additional ingredients.

Imports of goods that are limited in imports can only be carried out by importers who have a Business Identification Number (NIB) which is also valid as an Import Recognition Rate (API) and Business Licensing from the Ministry of Trade.

Meanwhile, raw materials for drugs and medicines are not regulated in the Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 20 of 2021 Jo. Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 25 of 2022 concerning Import Policy and Regulation, importers can import without business license issued by the Ministry of Trade. However, importers are still required to have NIB which applies as well as API.