Indonesia steps up chemical rules to advance OECD bid

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government is strengthening chemical management to accelerate its accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aligning regulations with international standards to boost industrial competitiveness and investor confidence.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said on Tuesday that the effort includes close cooperation with the OECD Secretariat during the first Fact-Finding Mission on Chemicals Management Instruments, held in Jakarta on July 1-3, 2026.

The mission reviewed Indonesia’s chemical management policies, regulations and implementation to assess their alignment with OECD standards and international best practices.

Kartasasmita said stronger chemical management is not only an OECD accession requirement but also a strategic step toward building a safer, more competitive and sustainable domestic chemical industry.

“We are committed to aligning our chemical management policies and systems. This is expected to strengthen global confidence in Indonesian industry and expand market access for chemical products,” he said.

During the mission, the Industry Ministry and related ministries and agencies reviewed chemical management policies, regulations and implementation readiness for international legal instruments governing the sector.

The discussions and technical reviews gave the OECD Secretariat a comprehensive assessment of Indonesia’s preparedness to align its chemical management system with OECD legal instruments.

Industry Ministry Director of Upstream Chemical Industry Wiwik Pudjiastuti said the OECD accession process provides momentum to strengthen chemical governance through policy harmonization and closer inter-agency coordination.

“Through this process, we are not only aligning with international standards but also building a more transparent and effective chemical management system,” she said.

Wiwik said the chemical industry is closely linked to public safety, human health and environmental protection.

She added that the government continues strengthening oversight of hazardous chemicals and harmonizing regulations to ensure consistent implementation of safety, health and environmental standards.

Indonesia’s chemical and chemical products exports reached US$5.97 billion in the first quarter of 2026, rising 16.83 percent from US$5.11 billion a year earlier.

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