Commission VI Urges Strengthening of Bio Farma to Achieve National Pharmaceutical Self-Sufficiency

PARLEMENTARIA, Bandung — Deputy Chair of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Andre Rosiade affirmed the commission’s commitment to overseeing the strengthening of the national pharmaceutical industry by boosting production capacity and supporting investment in PT Bio Farma (Persero). The move is considered strategic to achieving an independent healthcare industry, one of the policy priorities of President Prabowo Subianto, while also reducing Indonesia’s reliance on imported pharmaceutical products.

Andre said the Bio Farma Group plays a strategic role in strengthening the resilience of the national healthcare industry. Therefore, support for the company’s development, both by meeting its funding needs and expanding production facilities, should be a shared priority.

One of the needs under Commission VI’s consideration is the development of vaccine production lines and the construction of a new factory. This added capacity is needed to give Indonesia stronger production capabilities, including to prepare for the possibility of a future pandemic.

To support the plan, Commission VI is also overseeing the ongoing process of providing Bio Farma with a State Equity Participation (PMN). Andre explained that the disbursement of around Rp1 trillion in PMN funds had been approved by the Ministry of Finance and was now awaiting a recommendation from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP)

“We have confirmed that it is now with BPKP. We are waiting for BPKP’s recommendation, and hopefully it will be completed this month,” Andre said.

However, Bio Farma’s development needs cannot be met by the PMN alone. Commission VI is also pushing for additional investment support from Danantara to fund the company’s expansion plans. Andre said Commission VI had asked for these needs to be included in Danantara’s 2027 Work and Development Plan (RKP).

“Of course, it’s not enough, but I heard earlier that Danantara will provide an injection of capital. Let’s wait for the consultant’s study; after that, Danantara will certainly make the investment. This is what we will oversee in the 2027 RKP,” said the Gerindra Party Faction politician.

In addition to strengthening production capacity, Andre also highlighted corporate governance issues, including fraud and corruption, which need to be addressed. He said that although Bio Farma has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and exports its products to around 150 countries, internal reforms remain a priority.

He hopes stronger oversight through government policies, including the role of Danantara Asset Management, can help improve corporate governance and support the strengthening of the national pharmaceutical industry.

“God willing, with the government’s policy of establishing Danantara Asset Management to directly oversee and make improvements, we can resolve these issues one by one,” he concluded. (krs/rdn)