Indonesia–Australia Internship Program Aims to Boost Public Health Systems Across Indo-Pacific

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – The cool morning air of Canberra welcomed a historic moment at the Gulgana Building, Fairbairn, where health officials from two nations gathered to witness the opening of the Inaugural Internship Program and Regulatory Cooperation between the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia and Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).

In front of senior Australian officials, including Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary and Head of TGA, as well as representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), BPOM Head Prof. Taruna Ikrar delivered a confident yet meaningful statement on Monday (August 25, 2025).

“Today marks an important milestone in our long journey of collaboration,” Prof. Taruna declared.

For him, the internship program goes beyond technical training. It symbolizes a shared vision to strengthen regulatory science and public health systems across the Indo-Pacific region.

“This program is a natural continuation of our collaboration—through technical workshops, joint trainings, and sustained dialogue within the Indo-Pacific Regulatory Strengthening Program,” he added.

Six mid-career BPOM professionals will take part in the program, gaining firsthand experience within TGA’s working environment. Their activities will cover pharmacovigilance, marketing authorization, and regulatory system strengthening—bridging theory with practical, day-to-day regulatory challenges.

Prof. Taruna emphasized that the world stands at a crossroads of rapid change. From biologics, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies, to AI-powered medical devices, regulatory authorities must act with greater agility, competence, and connectivity.

“This is precisely why programs like this matter. Amid global health challenges—routine and emergency alike—strong networks of trust can make a real difference,” he stressed.