UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga has once again highlighted its global footprint through the accomplishments of its alumni. Among them is Mimin Jiwo Winanti, SSi, Apt., a graduate of UNAIR’s Faculty of Pharmacy, who now leads the National Center for Drug and Food Testing Development (PPPOMN).
From private sector to national service
Winanti launched her career in the private sector as an Assistant Store Manager at PT Hero Supermarket. She later transitioned into public service, joining Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) as a civil servant, a move that marked the beginning of her long-standing contribution to national regulatory institutions.
Throughout more than two decades at BPOM, Winanti has occupied a number of key leadership roles. Between 2021 and 2025, she served as Director for Oversight of Drug Distribution and Services covering pharmaceuticals, narcotics, psychotropics, and precursors. Earlier, she held positions as a Senior Pharmaceutical and Food Inspector and as Head of the Sub-Directorate responsible for supervising drug distribution facilities and active pharmaceutical ingredients for Regional I.
“I have been with BPOM for around 22 years. Most recently, on September 29, 2025, I was entrusted with the role of Head of the National Center for Drug and Food Testing Development,” she said.
Engagement on global stage with WHO
Winanti also reflected on defining moments in her career, particularly her involvement with the World Health Organization (WHO) at both domestic and international levels.
“I served as a WHO Temporary Advisor, which allowed me to take part in assignments from WHO, either representing BPOM or WHO itself. These included work related to WHO prequalification programs, facilitating capacity-building initiatives for regulatory authorities in other countries, and serving as an assessor in WHO’s global benchmarking exercises,” she said.
On December 21, 2025, BPOM Indonesia formally achieved recognition as a WHO Listed Authority, confirming that the country meets international standards and performance benchmarks in pharmaceutical regulation.
“This milestone is especially meaningful because Indonesia became the first middle-income country to earn this recognition. It demonstrates that we now stand on equal footing with developed nations,” she said.
Winanti stressed that her professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to public service and self-sacrifice. She also underscored the importance of confidence, a global perspective, technological literacy, and proficiency in foreign languages.
“Working for the state means placing the public interest above personal considerations. We must contribute meaningfully and show that Indonesia is capable of competing internationally. Technological skills and foreign language proficiency also open wider opportunities in the fields we choose,” she said.
BPOM’s designation as a WHO Listed Authority further underscores the global contributions of Universitas Airlangga alumni. Through Mimin Jiwo Winanti’s leadership, UNAIR continues to affirm its role in producing graduates who play a direct role in strengthening health systems at both the national and international levels.
Author: Putri Andini
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
