A total of 73 containers containing illegal electronic waste were reported to have entered Indonesia through Batu Ampar Port, Batam, between September 22–27, 2025. The import of such illegal electronic waste constitutes a serious violation of Article 106 of Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management.

Therefore, the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) will bring the case to court to ensure that the perpetrators face strict criminal sanctions.

Minister of Environment and Head of BPLH, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized that the government will not tolerate practices that make Indonesia a dumping and processing site for illegal foreign waste. All 73 containers of illegal e-waste will be returned or re-exported to their country of origin, the United States (US).

"The government firmly protects the environment from the threat of hazardous and toxic waste (B3). Anyone proven to have imported illegal e-waste will be prosecuted and subjected to criminal penalties in accordance with applicable laws," Hanif stated, quoted Monday (6/10/2025).

The case began when Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement (GAKKUM LH) KLH/BPLH together with the Directorate General of Customs detected indications of e-waste entering through Batu Ampar Port. KLH/BPLH subsequently contacted the Customs Directorate General to prevent the goods from leaving the port and conducted strict oversight of several e-waste importing companies.

Physical inspections conducted with Batam Customs KPU confirmed that the 73 containers contained illegal goods owned by PT Logam Internasional Jaya, PT Esun Internasional Utama Indonesia, and PT Batam Battery Recycle Industry.

The B3 Waste Management Directorate KLH/BPLH confirmed that all containers contained B107d (electronic waste) and A108d (B3-contaminated waste), including printer circuit boards (PCBs), wire rubber, CPUs, hard drives, and other used electronic components. All containers are now being processed for re-export back to the United States.

Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement KLH/BPLH, Inspector General Rizal Irawan, stated that the government will take legal action. Anyone importing B3 waste into Indonesia can face 5–15 years in prison and fines ranging from IDR 5 billion to IDR 15 billion, as stipulated in Article 106 of Law No. 32/2009.

"This finding proves that illegal B3 waste import schemes still exist. We will coordinate with law enforcement to prosecute this case criminally," Rizal said.

He added that, in addition to administrative sanctions, the companies involved will face criminal penalties and fines under the Environmental Law. Indonesia will not allow itself to become a global dumping ground for waste.

"Consistent environmental law enforcement is key to protecting public health, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable environmental management in the country," Rizal concluded.