inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) strives to empower women as they play a strategic role in various development sectors, including drug and food supervision.

"BPOM is very interested in empowering Indonesian women as we believe they can drive national progress," said BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar, Thursday (1/29/2026).

To commemorate its 25th anniversary, BPOM held an Inspirational Woman Talk with the theme "Empowered Women, Powerful Change," which focused on discussing the importance of empowering women and enhancing their strategic role, particularly in utilizing digital media to build businesses in the pharmaceutical and processed food sectors.

Ikrar cited the resilience of women, evident in their biological and social roles, including their ability to face major challenges in life. 

This is also reflected in the composition of BPOM's Human Resources (HR), which is dominated by women, reaching nearly 70 percent.

Furthermore, Ikrar stated that women play a significant role not only within BPOM but also in the business sector. 

He stated that there are around 4.2 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, the majority of which are managed by women.

Elfi Taruna Ikrar, Chairwoman of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) BPOM, expressed her hope that this activity would foster ideas, collaboration, and the courage for women to continue developing.

"Empowered women will bring about strong and impactful change, providing not only economic benefits but also value for the health, safety, and welfare of society," she said.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Manpower Afriansyah Noor stated that Indonesian women play a crucial role as the spearhead of national development.

"Indonesian women possess great strength and can be a source of inspiration," he said. Noor also expressed the Ministry of Manpower's readiness to collaborate with BPOM in training, coaching, and job creation through the independent workforce program.

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