Technical Assistance II
Laboratory technicians and analysts at three laboratories within the Ministry of Industry participated in training sessions facilitated by ARISE+ Indonesia. These sessions aimed to enhance the capacity for contaminant analysis, facilitating high-quality and accurate results. By improving the quality and accuracy of their analyses, these labs can help relevant industries meet international quality standards and technical regulations. This, in turn, will enhance the competitiveness and acceptance of Indonesian export products, particularly in the European Union market.
The training sessions were held at three prominent laboratories under the Ministry of Industry. The first session took place at the Centre for Standardisation and Services for Plantation Products, Metal Minerals, and Maritime Industry (BBSPJIHPMM) in Makassar from 15th to 17th May 2023. This particular training focused on pesticide analysis in vegetables, fruits, and coffee beans using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. This technique is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of these products.
Following that, the second training was held at the Center for Standardisation and Services for Agro-Industry (BBSPJIA) in Bogor, from 19th to 23rd May 2023, with a specific emphasis on mycotoxin analysis using liquid chromatography. Mycotoxins are harmful substances produced by certain moulds that can contaminate food and pose serious health risks. By mastering this analysis technique, laboratory technicians can produce more accurate results.
The third and final session occurred from 24th to 26th May 2023 at the Center for Standardisation and Services for the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Packaging Industries (BBSPJIKFK) in Jakarta. This session revolved around testing food-contact materials using gas chromatography. Ensuring the safety of materials that come into contact with food is vital for safeguarding public health and meeting regulatory requirements.
Doddy Rahadi, the Head of the Agency for Standardisation and Industry Services Policy, expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to ARISE+ Indonesia for their invaluable technical assistance. He emphasised the significance of the capacity-building program, as the Ministry of Industry laboratories play a pivotal role in upholding the quality and conformity of Indonesian products in both domestic and international trade. Mr.Rahadi also acknowledged the challenges public laboratories face, including capacity, competence, and equipment upgrades, due to budget constraints.
Vadims Bartkevics, an expert from ARISE+ Indonesia, highlighted the participants' enthusiasm during the practical training sessions and their subsequent request for follow-up theoretical sessions. This positive response demonstrates the participants' eagerness to further enhance their skills and knowledge in contaminant and residue analysis.
Hotmaria, one of the participants from BBSPJIKFK, commended the training's comprehensive material and effective delivery. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the training, allowing her to improve her knowledge and stay updated with the latest cutting-edge techniques. Hotmaria believes the training will greatly benefit her analytical work at the laboratory.
