Indonesian Shrimp Export Hit by Cesium-137 Radioactive Contamination Case
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Indonesia’s shrimp industry has been jolted after United States regulators detected traces of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in frozen shrimp shipments from PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS). The finding prompted a suspension of exports and triggered a sweeping investigation by Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten).
The case came to light on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of BMS products after samples of breaded shrimp tested positive for radioactivity. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also flagged four containers at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami.
Deputy Head of Licensing and Inspection at Bapeten Zainal Arifin said his agency quickly widened radiation monitoring in the Cikande Industrial Zone, Banten, where BMS facilities operate. “We found scrap metal containing Cesium-137, already identified and secured with police assistance,” Zainal told reporters in Serang on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.
Tracing the Source
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, who inspected sites around Cikande on Thursday, Aug. 21, said early findings suggested the contamination originated from outside the aquaculture process. “We must locate the source to avoid public concern and prevent severe losses in exports,” Hanif said.
By Friday, Bapeten confirmed the discovery of metal waste contaminated with Cesium-137 in a scrapyard inside the Modern Cikande Industrial Estate. Perimeters were established, materials were moved to a secure facility, and inspections expanded within a two-kilometer radius.
Bapeten’s Director of Radiation and Radioactive Material Inspection, Zulkarnain, explained that Cesium-137 is a man-made isotope widely used in industrial measuring equipment. “It is a form of ionizing radiation that can be extremely harmful to human health in the long term,” he said.
Government Response
Trade Minister Budi Santoso assured that Jakarta was coordinating closely with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Bapeten to verify findings. “If it is not proven, we will communicate this with the United States,” he said, adding that the episode would serve as an evaluation to tighten export food safety standards.
Bapeten spokesman Ishak confirmed that investigations remain ongoing. “Further inquiries will determine the source of contamination and the distribution of Cesium-137 material,” he said.
Industry Reaction
In response, PT Bahari Makmur Sejati voluntarily suspended all shrimp exports to the U.S. The Shrimp Club Indonesia, led by Chairman Andi Tamsil, defended the aquaculture sector, emphasizing that radioactive contamination did not originate from shrimp farming. “This incident is tied to external factors outside the industry’s control,” he said.
The case highlights the fragility of food export supply chains when linked with industrial waste management. While seafood remains a flagship export commodity, the radioactive finding risks undermining Indonesia’s reputation in global markets if not resolved swiftly.
Chronology of Events
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Aug. 19, 2025: FDA in the U.S. orders recall of PT Bahari Makmur Sejati’s frozen shrimp products after detecting Cesium-137.
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Aug. 20, 2025: Trade Minister Budi Santoso announces joint inspections with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Bapeten.
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Aug. 21, 2025: Environment Minister Hanif Faisol cites early indications of radiation sources in Cikande, Serang.
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Aug. 22, 2025: Bapeten secures scrap metal containing Cesium-137 in Cikande and sets a security perimeter; PT BMS suspends exports.
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Aug. 23–24, 2025: Investigations expand within a two-kilometer radius, finding additional radiation hotspots. The case remains under review.
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