KLH Investigate Allegations Of Radioactive Pollution In Cikande Serang Shrimp Processing

Minister of Environment/Head of BPLH Hanif Faisol Nurofiq when inspecting the location of PT GRS in Serang Regency, Banten, Thursday (21/8/2025) ANTARA/Devi Nindy Sari Ramadhan

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) is investigating the alleged pollution of Cesium-137 radioactive material after the United States (US) authorities found that frozen shrimp exported by Indonesia was suspected of being exposed to radioactiveity.

Minister of Environment (LH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the search by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono found that the frozen shrimp processing plant was in Cikande with shrimp from Lampung.

"The Minister of the KKP has made a visit there and it is indicated that there are Cesium-137 sources from radioactive elements found there. This is a bit strange, later we will investigate it thoroughly, because this is dangerous for all of us, why suddenly there is a Cesium in the processing of shrimp, we will be there soon," said Minister Hanif while visiting the Cikande area, Serang Regency, Banten, Thursday, confiscated by Antara.

He himself will review the shrimp processing site today and will immediately deploy an expert team of experts on the issue to ensure the situation on the ground.

"But what is clear is that we have to reach the source, so as not to cause unrest for all of us. It will not cause large enough losses later in the export sector," said Hanif.

Previously, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that there were findings of Cesium-137 content in frozen shrimp exported by Indonesia to the United States.

Different authorities, namely Customs and Border Protection of the US (US Customs & Border Protection / CBP) also stated that Cesium-137 was detected in shipping containers in four US ports, namely Los Angeles, Houston, airway, and Miami.

Based on these findings, the FDA stopped importing processed products of PT Bahari Makmur Sejati because it was indicated that it was contaminated with chemicals, in this case Cesium-137, to PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, was considered successful in overcoming the problem.

Minister of Trade (Mendag) Budi Santoso on Wednesday (20/8) stated that he had coordinated with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten) to evaluate the export of frozen shrimp to the United States which was suspected of being exposed to radioactive material Cesium-137.