Jakarta, INTI - The Head of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, said artificial intelligence (AI) could be leveraged to accelerate drug discovery, improve regulatory efficiency, and reduce human error.
“AI can speed up drug testing processes, including preclinical trials and simulations. By using AI-powered simulations, the drug discovery process can be accelerated,” Taruna said in Beijing, China, on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Taruna was in Beijing for meetings with several partners, including China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), as well as to speak at a health seminar at Tsinghua University and meet with representatives from the medical industry.
According to Taruna, developing new drugs involves a lengthy process, beginning with molecular identification and validation, followed by drug candidate selection, in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing, and Phase I to III clinical trials involving humans.
AI can also be used to identify particles, proteins, and their receptors. Taruna said the technology could similarly support innovation in the food sector, including the development of alternative methods of producing food in the future.
AI Seen as a Tool to Reduce Human Error
Taruna said AI has been widely adopted in China for drug regulation and supervision, providing potential lessons for Indonesia as it expands the use of the technology.
“AI is a tool that makes our work easier. When dealing with millions or even billions of tasks, processes can be completed more quickly and efficiently. It also helps reduce the potential for human error,” he said.
Beyond research and testing, AI can also be used to track the distribution of pharmaceutical products through barcode-based systems.
“Using AI, we can track products through barcodes, including where a product has reached, where it is being used, and who is using it. This makes the process more secure. AI is simply a tool or instrument, and there is no need to fear it. BPOM will ensure that products that are not safe will not be approved,” Taruna said.
BPOM Applies AI Across Registration and Clinical Trials
Taruna said BPOM has begun implementing AI across various processes, ranging from barcode systems and product registration to research and clinical trials conducted by scientists.
“Under my leadership, BPOM has implemented artificial intelligence in various processes, from barcode systems and registration procedures to research and clinical trials carried out by scientists,” he said.
The data generated through these AI applications can subsequently be analyzed to help establish more precise standards for regulatory processes.
“This allows us to have greater confidence that products are safe and suitable to be made available to the public. That is the role of artificial intelligence in regulatory implementation,” Taruna said.
He added that AI has also been incorporated into several aspects of BPOM’s registration, certification, and distribution processes to improve operational efficiency.
“Artificial intelligence is highly important in managing these processes and reducing human error because the technology can work with greater precision. For administrative processes, AI is particularly useful. This is also why the government and our institution have received recognition for implementing digital systems in public services,” Taruna said.
Conclusion
AI is emerging as a valuable tool for Indonesia’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, with BPOM highlighting its potential to accelerate drug discovery, improve regulatory processes, enhance product traceability, and reduce human error. Its growing adoption could help make healthcare regulation and innovation more efficient, precise, and reliable.
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