Government Angry, 6 Foreign Waste Containers Enter Indonesia Via Batam

Officers documented six containers containing electronic waste from the United States suspected of being imported by PT Esun in Batam, Riau Islands, Tuesday (9/9/2025) (doc LHK)

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has confirmed that it is taking action against the practice of importing hazardous and toxic waste (B3), including what was allegedly carried out by PT Esun International Utama Indonesia (PT Esun) in Batam, Riau Islands.

"The government will not provide space for illegal practices that harm the people," said LH Minister/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq in his statement, Wednesday, September 24.

"The PT Esun case must serve as a warning to all business actors not to play with the rules," he added.

He reminded that the practice of importing B3 waste can threaten public health and damage the environment. In accordance with Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management, everyone is prohibited from importing hazardous waste, including electronic waste and there are severe criminal threats, ranging from 5 to 15 years in prison and billions of rupiah fines.

Previously, the Deputy for Law Enforcement (Gakkum) KLH/BPLH found six containers containing electronic waste from the United States that had entered Batam. Some of the waste has even been processed at the location of PT Esun.

The import practices were carried out without official notifications between exporting countries and importers, thus violating the Basel Convention which had been ratified by Indonesia through Presidential Decree No. 47 of 2005.

Based on observations in the field, the container contains various damaged electronic components, such as laptop chargers, hard disks, PCBs, to computer monitors. All of these items are categorized as electronic B3 waste with code B107d.

This action clearly violates the rules and has the potential to have a serious impact on health and the environment if it is not handled properly. Hanif emphasized that cross-agency coordination continues to be strengthened to ensure law enforcement runs thoroughly.

"Indonesia is fully committed to the Basel Convention. Batam must grow as a strategic area commensurate with Singapore, with good environmental governance to support sustainable development," explained Minister Hanif.

In a similar statement, the Deputy for Gakkum KLH/BPLH Rizal Irawan said that the prosecution was not just a legal case, but a strategic step to safeguard the nation's sovereignty.

B3 waste imports are strictly prohibited because they pose serious risks to public health and ecosystems. The government will not provide space for practices that harm the community and damage the environment," said Rizal.

As a follow-up, KLH/BPLH through Gakkum LH will ensure that the export of illegal electronic waste to the country of origin or to other countries that have management facilities in accordance with international provisions. This effort also shows the government's seriousness in enforcing environmental law.