Indonesia investigates radioactive contamination in exported goods

Indonesia has launched a criminal investigation after radioactive material was discovered in several exported products, including prawns, spices and even sneakers, prompting recalls and trade concerns overseas.

The issue first came to light when authorities in the Netherlands detected radiation in shipping containers from Indonesia, including boxes of sneakers. Months later, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued alerts after finding the radioactive isotope caesium-137 in frozen prawns and cloves linked to Indonesian companies PT Bahari Makmur Sejati and PT Natural Java Spice. Both companies’ products were recalled and banned from import into the U.S. until safety protocols are improved.

Caesium-137, a radioactive by-product of nuclear reactions used in industrial and medical settings, can pose health risks through prolonged exposure, though officials say levels found in the affected exports were too low to cause immediate harm.

Investigations have focused on the Cikande Industrial Estate in Banten province, where authorities believe the contamination originated at a metal-processing plant owned by PT Peter Metal Technology. Approximately 20 factories connected to the site — including seafood and footwear producers — were affected. Nine workers showed signs of exposure but have since received treatment, and the industrial complex has undergone decontamination.

Authorities say scrap metal imports may have been the original source of the radioactive material. Indonesia has since tightened controls, barring contaminated goods and intercepting several shipments, including eight containers of tainted zinc powder from Angola.

The probe continues, although investigators say progress has been slowed because the factory’s management has returned to China.