Darori Wonodipuro Calls for Increased Budget and Facilities for the Indonesian Quarantine Agency

PARLEMENTARIA, Banjarbaru - Commission IV member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Darori Wonodipuro called for a stronger budget and additional equipment and facilities for the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin). He said the many entry points for goods arriving in Indonesia from abroad require adequate quarantine monitoring to prevent pests and diseases that could threaten the country’s animals and plants from entering.

“The Indonesian Quarantine Agency therefore needs additional equipment and facilities so it can monitor everything and prevent goods from slipping through with pests and diseases that could spread in Indonesia and affect animals, plants, and other things,” Darori told Parlementaria after witnessing the destruction of items carrying potential contaminants during a specific working visit by Commission IV of the House of Representatives to the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Service Unit at Syamsudin Noor Airport in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Friday (November 13, 2026).

He said monitoring entry points for goods from abroad was an important aspect of quarantine operations. Barantin therefore needs stronger support, including in the form of funding. In addition to budget and facilities, Darori highlighted the importance of transparency in destroying goods that violate quarantine regulations.

Earlier, the head of the South Kalimantan Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center (BKHIT), Erwin A.M. Dabukke, outlined plans to operate a shredder in the international arrivals terminal at Syamsudin Noor Airport. The plan has been coordinated with the airport’s general manager and Customs so that baggage without the required documents can be shredded in front of its owner.

Erwin also explained that quarantine monitoring in South Kalimantan is carried out through four service units: at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, Syamsudin Noor Airport in Banjarbaru, and the airports and ports in Batulicin and Kotabaru.

In response, Darori expressed support for the plan to use the shredder. He said destroying goods in the presence of their owners could prevent suspicions about quarantine officers.

“It would be best for the owner to witness their goods being destroyed. They will be satisfied and won’t be left wondering whether the goods will be eaten, sold, or something else,” said the Gerindra Party faction politician.

He also said public outreach on quarantine regulations needed to be expanded. He noted that many people still do not understand the rules on baggage brought in from abroad, particularly food and plants that must be declared for quarantine inspection. He therefore urged providers of umrah and hajj trips to inform prospective pilgrims before departure. This would ensure pilgrims understand their obligation to declare (declare) their baggage and comply with quarantine inspection requirements.

“That is why public information efforts at airports are needed, so people aren’t disappointed if an item is confiscated for destruction,” he stressed.

Darori said Commission IV of the House of Representatives would continue to push for stronger support for Barantin, through increased funding, additional equipment and facilities, and expanded public outreach. These efforts are needed to ensure effective monitoring at every entry point and prevent pests and diseases from entering Indonesia. (arl/um)