JAKARTA - Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono expressed doubt about reports regarding Indonesian shrimp exposure to Cesium-137 (Cs-137), considering that Indonesia does not possess nuclear facilities or nuclear weapons.
Trenggono made this statement at the Export Release of Indonesian Shrimp Certified Cesium-137-Free to the US at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, on Wednesday, December 3.
According to Trenggono, the discovery of Cs-137 in Indonesian shrimp products reflects the intense competition in international trade, so the government must remain vigilant in maintaining the quality and safety of fishery products.
"We (Indonesia) don't have nuclear power plants. We don't have nuclear weapons. But how can there be cesium (in shrimp)? Well, this is also part of the competition in trade. So, I think we still have to be careful," he said.
However, going forward, the KP hopes there will be no more complaints from farmers regarding Cs-137. In addition, the KP also ensures the smooth distribution of shrimp products going forward.
Trenggono stated that the fish processing unit (UPI) under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has committed to immediately purchasing all shrimp products produced by farmers. This will ensure smooth distribution and absorption of the cultivated products.
In addition to shrimp, the KKP ensures the quality of all fishery commodities remains maintained. "We believe that our commodities are not limited to seafood, but also many other commodities that we must also maintain," he said.
For the record, Indonesian shrimp products have been re-accepted for import into the United States after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially designated the Quality Agency of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) as the Certifying Entity (CE) for the Cesium-137-free certification of these products.
In this regard, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is targeting the shipment of 200 containers of shrimp to the US by November 2025.
Ishartini, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency (Badan Mutu) at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, stated that more than 100 containers are currently undergoing scanning at the Fish Processing Unit (UPI).
"And this November, we are targeting the shipment of more than 200 containers that meet the requirements for a Cesium 137 (Cs-137)-free certificate," Ishartini stated at a press conference at the KKP office in Jakarta on Thursday, November 6.
As a Certified Entity, Ishartini stated that her agency ensures it will meet all requirements set by the FDA. Furthermore, the US is a major market for Indonesian shrimp products.
"Of course, this is all being carried out in accordance with the requirements for our shrimp to enter the United States," she said.
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