Technical Assistance I
On 15 March 2023, the first ARISE+ Indonesia Technical Assistance (TA) convened a Wrap-Up Meeting for Priority Area 3, focusing on Export Quality Infrastructure (EQI). The purpose of the meeting was to present a comprehensive overview of activities undertaken and accomplishments achieved during the program's implementation phase spanning from February 2019 to May 2023.
Distinguished attendees included the Director of Standardization and Quality Control from the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order at the Ministry of Trade, who also served as the Coordinator of the Technical Advisory Board (TAB) for Priority Area 3. The event also drew the participation of various beneficiaries, including representatives from the Ministry of Trade, National Standardization Agency, Ministry of Industry, Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Centre for Chemistry and Packaging (BBKK), Centre for Agro-industry Services (BBIA), Centre for Goods Quality Testing (BPMB), Ministry of Agriculture, and private sector entities.
Delivering his opening remarks, Hendro Purnomo, the Director of Standardization and Quality Control, extended his gratitude for the support provided by the EU-funded ARISE+ Indonesia program. He highlighted the program's instrumental role in strengthening the government's capacity to enhance the national quality assurance system. Furthermore, he emphasised the program's contributions to improving the quality infrastructure and harmonising procedures, standards, and technical regulations in Indonesia to align with international benchmarks.
Mr Hendro remarked, "All beneficiary ministries and institutions have expressed positive feedback regarding the capacity-building initiatives facilitated through the EU-funded ARISE+ Indonesia. I am optimistic that the enhanced proficiency of government officials will translate into improved assistance to Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). Ultimately, this will enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian export commodities."
During his presentation, Carsten Kudahl, the EQI Key Expert, elaborated on the activities and accomplishments from 2019 to 2023. Throughout this period, a total of 46 workshops were conducted to enhance National Quality Assurance, and 11 workshops targeted the improvement of EQI. These workshops collectively engaged 4356 participants, comprising government officials and private sector representatives.
Several noteworthy activities were undertaken, including:
- improving and harmonising Indonesia's standards with international standards and regulatory framework;
- enhancing national quality assurance in line with global practices;
- strengthening the national rapid alert system for non-food and food products, including the development of the INRAPEX (non-food) website and the assessment of INRASFF (food and feed) operation;
- empowering functional officers with the requisite skills to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in areas such as quality management, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), standards, technical regulations, and product placement in the market;
- updating the Indonesia Technical Regulation Information System (INATRIMS) to incorporate EU technical regulations across 20 product categories;
- improving food safety framework;
- strengthening the quality assurance system along the fisheries sector value chain;
- enhancing testing of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables;
- enhancing testing capacity for heavy metals and histamine in fisheries products;
- enhancing testing methods for mycotoxins in nutmeg;
- updating nutmeg handling manuals;
- assisting the Indonesian National Accreditation Body (KAN) in the development of two new accreditation schemes;
- mapping QI service providers in selected provinces to develop recommendations for future improvements;
- enhancing the technical capacity of the Centre for Chemistry and Packaging (BBKK) to align with EU standards;
- strengthening the capacity of auditors in thermal processes (canning technology);
- proving capacity-building efforts for the establishment of a biological/chemical metrology laboratory;
- conducting an assessment on the Indonesian Bivalve mollusca sector and its current quality control structure; and
- strengthening expertise in SVLK certification (Timber Legality Assurance System) and creating an accompanying SVLK Manual.
Mr Kudahl conveyed his appreciation, highlighting the achievements despite the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "The successful implementation of these activities during the COVID-19 pandemic stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment, remarkable motivation, and exceptional collaboration and coordination demonstrated by all stakeholders."
The Team Leader of ARISE+ Indonesia TAT 1, Marc Kwai Pun, voiced his expectation for the continuous improvement and follow-up of program achievements, with the aim of ensuring the enduring sustainability of the benefits.
"I encourage you to harness the enhanced capacities facilitated by ARISE+ Indonesia in order to bolster the execution of your tasks and responsibilities. We hope that the initiatives implemented in collaboration with ARISE+ Indonesia will significantly contribute to the enhanced Indonesian NQA and EQI," Mr Kwai Pun conveyed.
A meeting participant, Vander, a Surveillance Officer from the Directorate of Distribution Surveillance of Goods and Services, Ministry of Trade, expressed his gratitude for the capacity-building facilitated by ARISE+ Indonesia in the development of the Indonesia Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (INRAPEX).
"As a novel and highly advantageous system, INRAPEX will significantly bolster our market surveillance for non-food products, thereby enhancing consumer protection. We extend our gratitude to ARISE+ Indonesia for this valuable support," Vander expressed.
