Jakarta, Oct 8, 2025 — Indonesian authorities have uncovered radioactive contamination across 22 facilities in an industrial estate near Jakarta, following a recent US recall of frozen shrimp suspected to contain the radioactive isotope Caesium-137, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The discovery comes weeks after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled shrimp products exported by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati in August, after tests detected traces of Caesium-137, a radioactive element commonly linked to nuclear waste and medical isotopes.

The Indonesian government promptly launched an investigation, which led to the detection of the isotope at the Cikande industrial estate, located about 60 kilometers west of the capital.

“At least 22 plants in the industrial zone were contaminated,” said Task Force Spokesperson Bara Hasibuan, adding that surveillance in and around the area has been significantly tightened.

Authorities have conducted medical checks on both workers and nearby residents, identifying nine individuals exposed to Caesium-137. They were hospitalized for further evaluation and have since been discharged.

To contain the spread, the government has implemented entry and exit restrictions, inspecting all vehicles leaving the industrial area for possible contamination.

“We are continuing to identify and inspect facilities where contamination may have occurred,” Bara stated.

Preliminary findings suggest that imported scrap metal may have been the source of contamination, prompting the government to restrict further imports until a complete investigation is concluded.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq announced that residents from heavily affected areas would be temporarily relocated during decontamination efforts.

“The safety of residents and the environment is our top priority,” he said in a social media post. “The decontamination process will continue under close monitoring until the area is declared completely safe.”

According to the FDA, prolonged exposure to Caesium-137 even at low doses is associated with an increased risk of cancer and other health complications.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indonesia’s seafood exports and the country’s industrial waste management, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to ensuring public safety and restoring international confidence in their food supply chain.

Source: FDA