Indonesian Authorities Investigate Alleged Illegal Import of Toxic E-Waste from the US
Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected illegal importation of toxic electronic waste (e-waste) from the United States. The investigation follows the arrival of 19 shipping containers allegedly containing hazardous materials at Batu Ampar Port in Batam, Riau Islands.
Details of the Investigation
Zaky Firmansyah, head of the Batam Customs Office, stated that the office, in conjunction with the Batam Development Authority (BP Batam) and the Environment Ministry, will inspect the shipment. The Environment Ministry is tasked with determining if the contents of the containers meet the criteria for hazardous and toxic materials. “The Environment Ministry will assess whether the contents of the containers meet the criteria for hazardous and toxic materials,” Zaky told The Jakarta Post.
The Basel Action Network (BAN) Alert
The case came to light after the Basel Action Network (BAN), a US-based global environmental watchdog, alerted Indonesia’s permanent mission to international organizations in Geneva about the potential illegal shipment of e-waste. BAN is known for its efforts in tracking and exposing the flow of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries.
Suspected Involvement of PT Esun International Utama Indonesia
PT Esun International Utama Indonesia, an export-import and recycling company, is allegedly involved in importing the e-waste. According to the Environment Ministry, the company recently shipped six containers of e-waste from the US to Batam. Initial inspections revealed that the containers were filled with damaged computer parts, including laptop chargers, hard drives, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and monitors. Under Indonesian regulations, these items are classified as hazardous and toxic materials (B3), requiring special handling and disposal.
Violations of Indonesian Law and the Basel Convention
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the e-waste was allegedly imported without prior notification between exporting and importing countries, a requirement under the Basel Convention. “Indonesia is fully committed to upholding the Basel Convention. The government will not tolerate illegal practices that harm the public,” said Hanif, referring to the international treaty that regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. The alleged import also violates articles 69 and 106 of the 2009 Environment Law, which carry sentences of five to 10 years in prison and fines.
Past Incidents and Ongoing Concerns
The attempted illegal import of e-waste is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the month, the government announced plans to re-export 14 containers of scrap metal from the Philippines contaminated with cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive by-product of nuclear fission. Coordinating Economy Minister Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the urgent need to strengthen oversight and control over imported waste to prevent similar risks.
“A special task force has been formed to handle this case. We are also reviewing and strengthening regulations, especially for [waste materials] like scrap,” said Zulkifli Hasan.
This discovery came shortly after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned of radioactive contamination in some exports of frozen shrimp from Indonesia, further underscoring concerns about imported and exported goods.
