Batam, Indonesia – Indonesian authorities last week re-exported four containers of "dangerous, toxic" electronic waste from Batu Ampar port in Batam to the United States. The move, overseen by Batam customs, follows a strong declaration by Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, who emphasized Indonesia's refusal to be "a dumping ground for illegal waste from abroad." These containers, linked to Esun International Utama Indonesia, contained electronic scrap such as computer components, hard drives, and circuit boards. Batam customs chief Zaky Firmansyah confirmed that re-export is mandatory for prohibited hazardous waste, compelling importers to return such shipments to their origin.

Firmansyah stated, "All containers containing hazardous waste must be re-exported. There is no other option." These four containers, however, represent only a fraction of the issue. Local media reports indicate that over 900 containers at Batu Ampar port are currently under scrutiny, with dozens already inspected and confirmed to contain illegally imported electronic waste.

Indonesian customs inspects electronic waste in a container at Batu Ampar port, Batam city, 10/2025. *Photo: Batam Customs*

Batam customs spokesperson, Evi Oktavia, confirmed that the agency is processing further re-exports but needs additional time to compile comprehensive data. "Some containers have already been returned, based on records submitted by businesses. We are finalizing the overall data and will announce it later," she said. The illegal smuggling of electronic waste was initially uncovered in late 9/2025 by Indonesian Environment Ministry inspectors and customs. They found shipments declared as recyclable materials actually contained prohibited electronic waste.

Environmental organizations have consistently warned that illegally imported electronic waste poses severe risks in Indonesia. Informal recycling practices in the country can harm both workers and surrounding communities. Indonesia has previously taken similar actions, particularly since 2019, when several Southeast Asian nations collectively pushed back against becoming destinations for foreign waste. In that year, Indonesia returned hundreds of containers of plastic and paper waste to Australia, France, and other European countries.

Duc Trung (According to SCMP, Jakarta Post, Reuters)