Indonesia Starts Domestic Production of PCR Test Kits

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian government has announced it has begun to produce its own PCR test kits.

A PCR test kit is a polymerase chain reaction test used to detect the Covid-19 virus.

The announcement was made by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy on June 22.

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Indonesian state-owned enterprise PT Bio Farma is the producer of the country’s own PCR test kits.

The Indonesian government has encouraged various stakeholders from the private and public sectors to help address the coronavirus pandemic.

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Most of the measures carried out thus far have been in finding a coronavirus vaccine.

“We have reported to Indonesian President Jokowi that we are able to produce our own PCR test kits," said Muhadjir.

"Yesterday, I visited the Bio Farma factory in which the company is able to produce 50,000 units of the PCR test kits every week.” 

The domestic production of PCR test kits would ease Covid-19 specimen testing. It would also reduce Indonesia’s reliance on imports to carry out mass testing.

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Muhadjir said the objective is for Bio Farma to produce more than 50,000 units of PCR test kits.

In fact, the minister is targeting a monthly production of 2 million units of PCR test kits.

To realize these plans, the Indonesian government will assist in finding a location to increase production.