The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry has launched an investigation into alleged radioactive contamination after U.S. authorities detected traces of Cesium-137 in frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the probe was initiated following findings by Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who traced the supply chain to a processing facility in Cikande, Serang regency, Banten using shrimp sourced from Lampung. During his visit, Hanif said preliminary indications pointed to possible radioactive sources at the facility.
“This is unusual, and we will investigate thoroughly because this is dangerous for all of us. Suddenly there is Cesium in shrimp processing − we will head there soon,” Hanif said on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
He added that a team of experts would be deployed immediately to identify the contamination source and prevent public alarm or major losses to Indonesia’s seafood exports.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously reported traces of Cesium-137 in frozen shrimp exported from Indonesia. Separately, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed detections in shipping containers at four ports − Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. Following the discovery, the FDA suspended imports from PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, the company linked to the contaminated shipment, until the issue is resolved.
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso said on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 that he had coordinated with the fisheries ministry and the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) to assess the case and review Indonesia’s shrimp exports to the United States.
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