Indonesia's Response to Radioactive Contamination in Food Exports

Indonesia is currently addressing a significant radioactive contamination scare linked to shipments of cloves and frozen shrimp exported to the United States. Traces of cesium-137 were first detected in frozen shrimp in August 2025, followed by a second detection in cloves from PT NJS in late September. Although both samples were below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) safety threshold, the findings prompted import bans on two major exporters and raised concerns about environmental contamination at the source.

South China Morning PostFDI detects Cesium-137 in Indonesian cloves, government declares special incidentIndonesia finds no abnormal radiation at clove exporter amid Cesium-137 probeUsNews and World Report“Special Radiation Emergency” announced after Cs-137 contamination in BantenIndonesia’s shrimp industry faces 30-35pc drop in exports after radioactive contamination detected

In response to the contamination, the Indonesian government has implemented a series of urgent measures, including health checks, enhanced port inspections, and the establishment of a multi-agency task force to oversee the situation. The Modern Cikande Industrial Estate, identified as the contamination source, has been declared a "special incident of cesium-137 radiation pollution." Investigators believe the contamination originated from imported scrap metal processed at a local smelter operated by PT Peter Metal Technology, which has since been shut down.

South China Morning Post“Special Radiation Emergency” announced after Cs-137 contamination in BantenFDI detects Cesium-137 in Indonesian cloves, government declares special incidentIndonesia finds no abnormal radiation at clove exporter amid Cesium-137 probeUsNews and World ReportIndonesia’s shrimp industry faces 30-35pc drop in exports after radioactive contamination detected

The task force has identified ten radiation hotspots within the industrial estate, with two already decontaminated. Radiation portal monitors have been installed at the estate's gates to prevent the exit of contaminated goods or personnel. The full remediation process is expected to take several months.

South China Morning Post

Initial assessments conducted by the Cesium-137 Task Force revealed no abnormal radiation levels at the clove-exporting company PT NJS, with readings consistent with normal background exposure. However, contamination levels at the Cikande Industrial Estate reached up to 1,000 microsieverts per hour. The task force is continuing investigations into both contamination cases, with health authorities screening over 1,500 workers and local residents. Nine individuals have been confirmed contaminated and are receiving treatment.

Indonesia finds no abnormal radiation at clove exporter amid Cesium-137 probe

The radioactive contamination has severely impacted Indonesia's shrimp industry, leading to a 30-35% drop in processing absorption. The U.S. FDA has placed PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, the company linked to the shrimp contamination, on a red list, prompting foreign buyers to question the safety of all Indonesian shrimp. The industry, which accounts for 6% of global shrimp exports, is facing declining prices and potential job losses for millions of households reliant on this sector.

UsNews and World ReportIndonesia’s shrimp industry faces 30-35pc drop in exports after radioactive contamination detectedSouth China Morning PostFDI detects Cesium-137 in Indonesian cloves, government declares special incidentIndonesia finds no abnormal radiation at clove exporter amid Cesium-137 probe“Special Radiation Emergency” announced after Cs-137 contamination in Banten

Zulkifli Hasan, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing food safety and public health while restoring global trust in Indonesia's fisheries. He stated, “We are taking very careful measures,” highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in handling the contamination case.

“Special Radiation Emergency” announced after Cs-137 contamination in Banten

While the FDA reported cesium-137 contamination in both shrimp and cloves, the extent of health impacts and the full scope of contaminated areas remain under investigation. The government has not yet released detailed reports on the health effects of exposure to cesium-137, and further assessments are ongoing.

FDI detects Cesium-137 in Indonesian cloves, government declares special incident

• “We are prioritizing food safety, particularly in the shrimp industry, public health, and maintaining global trust in Indonesia’s fisheries,” — Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs

“Special Radiation Emergency” announced after Cs-137 contamination in Banten

• “Since BMS was added to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's red list, shrimp absorption from farmers has decreased by around 30%-35%,” — Andi Tamsil, Head of Indonesia’s Shrimp Farmers’ Association

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• “That location [at the clove exporter] showed an average of 0.07 or 0.04 microsieverts, which is the background exposure value from natural conditions,” — Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment

Indonesia finds no abnormal radiation at clove exporter amid Cesium-137 probe

The Indonesian government continues to navigate the complexities of this contamination incident, balancing public health concerns with the economic implications for its vital seafood export industry.

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