Budi Utomo, Director of PT SUCOFINDO—an Indonesian state-owned enterprise—visited Korea on behalf of the company and emphasized the importance of compliance and trust infrastructure in Korea–Indonesia trade during his opening remarks at the “2025 Global Influencer Expo – Special Forum,” held on November 13, 2025, at Songdo Convensia in Incheon.
Director Budi Utomo stated, “In today’s global trade environment, compliance is not merely an administrative procedure; it is like the currency of trust,” adding, “Only when trust surrounding quality, safety, and certification is accumulated can trade between countries grow in a stable manner.”
He first introduced the role of SUCOFINDO. SUCOFINDO is a major inspection, testing, certification, and consulting institution established by the Indonesian government, performing a public role in evaluating whether various products and services meet domestic and international regulations and standards. Director Utomo explained, “Based on internationally accredited laboratories and a global network, SUCOFINDO provides a ‘quality assurance platform’ that allows both Indonesian and overseas partners to conduct business with confidence.”
He also specifically mentioned SUCOFINDO’s function in Korea–Indonesia trade. “Food, poultry, and other products imported from Korea to Indonesia undergo pre- and post-shipment inspections, laboratory testing, and document review to verify compliance with Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), the National Standard (SNI), and halal regulations,” he said, emphasizing that “this process serves as the foundation for consumer protection and the stability of trade between the two countries.”
He highlighted that SUCOFINDO is an official halal inspection body registered with Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). Director Utomo stated, “In accordance with the Halal Product Assurance Law, SUCOFINDO reviews raw materials, processes, hygiene, and logistics to ensure that imported products meet halal requirements,” adding, “An integrated approach that manages halal, SNI, and safety and environmental standards together is an essential condition going forward.”
Regarding the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) system, he said, “TKDN verification is not simply about import and sales; it is a mechanism that promotes local production, parts utilization, and service integration within Indonesia,” explaining that “in the process of meeting TKDN requirements, global partners—including Korea—can establish a foundation for technology transfer, local workforce participation, and shared growth.”
He reiterated that “as the global market becomes more tightly interconnected, sustainable growth cannot be achieved through price competition alone,” stressing that “trust built upon transparent procedures, fair evaluation, and consistent standards becomes the true competitive advantage.” He added, “SUCOFINDO will continue to play the role of a ‘bridge of trust’ connecting Indonesia with Korea and other countries, based on expertise and independence.”
The forum, held on the afternoon of November 13 at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, served as a venue to discuss Korea–Indonesia cooperation in halal and certification, responses to TKDN and SNI, and support measures for SME exports. Director Budi Utomo’s opening remarks were evaluated as an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic significance of compliance and quality assurance systems in trade between the two countries.
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