Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment (KLH) has seized 73 containers of illegal electronic waste (e-waste) imported from the United States, in what authorities describe as a firm stance against attempts to turn the country into a dumping ground for hazardous materials.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the government would take decisive action against companies involved in importing hazardous and toxic waste (B3 waste), emphasizing that Indonesia will not tolerate cross-border environmental crimes.
“Indonesia will never allow itself to become a dumping site for the world’s waste. Those involved in the illegal import of e-waste will face legal consequences, including criminal prosecution,” said Hanif in an official statement on Friday (October 3, 2025)
The crackdown followed a joint inspection by the Ministry’s Environmental Law Enforcement Division (GAKKUM LH) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, which uncovered the containers at Batu Ampar Port in Batam, Riau Islands, between September 22 and 27, 2025.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the containers held hazardous e-waste materials — including printer circuit boards (PCBs), cables, CPUs, hard drives, and other electronic components — categorized as B107d and A108d toxic waste under Indonesian law. The shipments were traced to three companies: PT Logam Internasional Jaya, PT Esun Internasional Utama Indonesia, and PT Batam Battery Recycle Industry.
The Environment Ministry has ordered all 73 containers to be re-exported to the United States, in accordance with Indonesia’s commitment to the Basel Convention on the transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement Rizal Irawan said the case demonstrates that illegal waste trafficking remains a threat to developing countries in Asia.
“This case shows that smuggling hazardous waste is still a serious problem. The companies involved will face administrative and criminal sanctions under Indonesia’s Environmental Law,” Rizal stated.
Under Article 106 of Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, importing hazardous waste into Indonesia carries penalties of five to fifteen years in prison and fines ranging from IDR 5 billion to IDR 15 billion (USD 300,000–900,000).
The government’s swift response underscores Indonesia’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal waste imports. Authorities say the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen environmental governance and circular economy enforcement, while protecting public health and the country’s biodiversity.
“The consistent enforcement of environmental law is essential to safeguard our people, ecosystems, and national integrity,” Minister Hanif said.
The incident follows a series of high-profile investigations into waste smuggling in Southeast Asia, where several countries have rejected shipments of toxic waste from developed nations since 2019, citing violations of international environmental law. ***
