Enviro News Asia, Bogor — The Government of Indonesia carried out the destruction of re-imported shrimp products contaminated with Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in Cileungsi, Bogor, on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, in his capacity as the Executive Chair of the Cs-137 Task Force, led the operation at the hazardous waste treatment facility of PT Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industri (PT PPLI) in West Java.
Authorities destroyed 494 cartons of shrimp belonging to PT Bahari Makmur Sejati after the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) confirmed that the products failed to meet radiation dose rate standards set by the US FDA. Although wet-test results showed Cs-137 levels below the 100 Bq/kg clearance limit, the government classified the shipment as non-radioactive hazardous waste to eliminate any potential risk to consumers and the environment.
Minister Hanif stated that the coordinated response reflects the government’s firm stance on public safety. He emphasized that institutions within the Task Force are acting swiftly and cohesively to prevent any threat posed by radioactive contamination.
The destruction process used high-temperature incineration in a licensed B3 waste facility. PT PPLI operated a Vertical Stoker incinerator at 800–900°C, supported by an Air Pollution Control System and Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The resulting ash underwent macro-encapsulation and solidification inside high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers before being placed in a Class-1 landfill in accordance with safety protocols.
The operation followed decisions issued under the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, most recently amended through Decree No. 64/M.PANGAN/KEP/10/2025. The Indonesian Quarantine Agency also reinforced the decision, recommending product destruction in an official letter following a cross-agency coordination meeting. PT Bahari Makmur Sejati supported the process by submitting a formal destruction request.
The Cs-137 Task Force has undertaken comprehensive mitigation steps, including decontamination at the Modern Cikande Industrial Estate in Serang, inspection of all re-imported shrimp from the United States, the implementation of Cs-137-free certification for Indonesia’s shrimp exports to the US, continuous radiation monitoring, and health surveillance for affected communities.
Representatives from BAPETEN, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, and other involved ministries witnessed the destruction event.
Minister Hanif reported strong progress in the ongoing decontamination in Cikande. Five of the 12 red-zone points have been declared safe by BAPETEN and BRIN. Four points remain under concrete cementing using K-350 material; two are in the final stripping phase before cementing; and one point behind the PT VP facility is being secured through fencing for public safety. The Task Force has removed a total of 1,116.6 tons of Cs-137-contaminated material, now stored at PT PMT’s interim storage facility. Full decontamination remains on track for completion by the end of November.
In Lampung Selatan, BAPETEN reported successful containment of Cs-137 exposure detected at a cemetery in Penengahan District. Concrete sealing measures reduced radiation levels at three affected spots to below 0.5 μSv/hour, ensuring public safety. BAPETEN will continue periodic monitoring.
Minister Hanif stated that the destruction of contaminated shrimp and the remediation of impacted sites reflect the government’s uncompromising commitment to food safety, public protection, and environmental security. (*)
