The predecessor of BPOM was formed during the
colonial period and was named (DVG). Operating under the auspices of the Dutch pharmaceutical company, DVG itself was in charge of producing chemical drugs as well as operating a pharmaceutical research center. In 1964, during the
Guided Democracy era, DVG was nationalized and became the Pharmacy Inspectorate () of the Indonesian
Ministry of Health. Three years later, it was renamed the Inspectorate of Pharmaceutical Affairs (). In 1976, it was again renamed the Directorate General Drug and Food Control (, Ditjen POM). In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 166/2000, the Directorate-General of Drug and Food Control was officially divested from the Ministry of Health to become an independent agency which reports directly to the president, though it continues to coordinate with the Ministry. BPOM was subsequently established as a
Non-ministerial government body to carry out government functions in the
supervision of drugs and food, as part of efforts to protect
consumer rights and
public health. Under this framework, BPOM was given authority over drugs and food circulating in Indonesia, including products manufactured domestically and those imported from abroad. BPOM's supervision includes sampling, testing, and laboratory analysis of food and beverages to identify hazardous substances, as well as monitoring compliance with safety, quality, and labeling requirements. This supervision is carried out across pre-market and post-market stages, supported by enforcement actions and public participation. Institutionally, BPOM is directly responsible to the
president and coordinates with the
minister responsible for health affairs. Operationally, BPOM carries out its duties through a system of technical units, including , , and . The agency was previously known in English as the National Agency for Drug and Food Control. In late 2025, BPOM received recognition from the
World Health Organization as a
WHO Listed Authority (WLA), which marked international recognition of Indonesia's drug and food regulatory system. == Task and function ==