In an effort to support the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to be more competitive and in accordance with public health standards, the PIRT UM 24 Team of Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) held a socialisation of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) on Tuesday, 05/11/2024 at Kandang Ingkung Resto, Madiun. This event was held as part of the MSME Assistance and Development programme and involved collaboration with the Madiun City Health Office (DHO).

The UM IRT Development Programme also involves students, who play an active role in supporting the smooth running of the event and providing direct assistance to participants.

This activity aims to provide in-depth understanding to MSME players regarding the importance of BPOM certification, the type of distribution permit that is right for MSME products, and the procedures that must be followed to obtain it. This socialisation was guided directly by officers from the Madiun City Health Office who acted as food extension workers. The socialisation activities were carried out in three sessions, namely for DJAMOE MSMEs in the first session, followed by Aroda Sambel Pecel MSMEs, and closed with a socialisation session for Keripik Bu Nur.

When interviewed, the Chief Executive, Dr Apriyanti, S.E., M.M., said that BPOM certification is not just a formality, but an important step to ensure that products produced by MSMEs are safe for consumers. ‘This training aims to make MSME players understand the importance of maintaining public health from risks related to products produced and consumed,’ she explained.

BPOM is a non-ministerial government agency tasked with overseeing the circulation of drugs, food, cosmetics, and other health products in Indonesia. This institution plays an important role in ensuring that products circulating in the community meet safety, quality, and health standards.

Through this socialisation, MSME players are invited to understand the steps to obtain BPOM certification. Ibu Indra Puji Astuti, M.Pd., explained the steps that must be taken, namely:

Document Preparation
- Copy of NPWP and Business Identification Number (NIB)
- Copy of IUI/TDI/IUMK
- Location plan, production process flow, and building plan
- Food sample analysis results
- Electronic Registration Process
- Company account registration through the e-reg.pom.go.id website
- Product registration and label submission
- Document verification and payment
- This stage is designed to ensure that every registered product meets the standards set by BPOM.

The event was interactive, with training participants actively asking questions related to the registration process and BPOM certification requirements. They were also informed about the link between BPOM certification and access to government assistance programmes, which further boosts the importance of this certification.

‘Through BPOM certification, MSMEs can more easily grow their businesses and increase their competitiveness in the market,’ said Ms Indra.

UNIPMA thanked the Ministry of Education and Culture, Kedaireka, and UNIPMA for the grant funding that supported the implementation of this programme. ‘We hope this programme can continue and bring significant benefits to MSMEs in the Madiun region and its surroundings,’ concluded Dr. Apriyanti, S.E., M.M.

Through this socialisation, UNIPMA again demonstrated its role as a strategic partner in empowering MSMEs, encouraging local economic growth, and realising quality and highly competitive MSMEs at the national and international levels.