JAKARTA - The Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Prof. Dr. Taruna Ikrar, M.Biomed., Ph.D., visited an Indonesian independent laboratory, PT Equilab International. This visit is a step taken by BPOM as part of a collaboration to ensure the quality of drug, cosmetic, and food products in Indonesia. "Indonesia is a large country with a vast number of natural herbal products, approximately 17,000 in total. However, there are currently only around 90 standardized herbal medicines and only 21 phytopharmaceuticals. This presents a great potential for conducting clinical trials in Indonesia and enhancing the status of natural herbal products. Equilab is a trusted laboratory in Southeast Asia that complies with BPOM standards and regulations and has experience in performing clinical trials and product quality testing," said Prof. Taruna. The President Director of PT Equilab International, Mr. Ronal Simanjuntak, stated that Equilab has the capability as an independent laboratory in drugs, cosmetics, and food testing and research. Equilab also highlighted its extensive experience in vaccines, infectious diseases, and probiotic clinical trials. "For 22 years, we have been ensuring quality and testing drug, cosmetic, and food products. Equilab already performed more than 1,500 clinical studies including bioequivalence studies, clinical trials, and dermatology testings. In terms of accreditation, we are the only CRO in Southeast Asia accredited by UK MHRA, Malaysian NPRA, BPOM, ISO 17025, and ISO 15189. Our clinical study reports have been accepted in more than 40 countries, including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, South Africa, Malaysia, and Singapore," said Mr. Ronal.   Furthermore, Equilab International continues to innovate by exploring the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for research and clinical testing. "We believe that AI can accelerate innovation and increase efficiency in testing," said the Director of Equilab International, Wimala Widjaja.