Indonesia’s shrimp industry has bounced back from a radioactive contamination scare, successfully resuming exports to the United States worth Rp20.4 billion. The recovery follows the U.S. FDA’s recognition of Indonesia’s seafood quality agency as a global certifier for Cesium-137-free products. This milestone not only restores market access but positions Indonesia as a global standard-setter in seafood safety and traceability.
Key Facts & Background
- Indonesia exported 106 tons of shrimp to the U.S. between 31 October and 4 November 2025, valued at US$1.2 million (Rp20.14 billion).
- The shipments were released in seven containers, verified to be free of Cesium-137 contamination via Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) screening.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially designated Indonesia’s Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control Agency (KKP) as a Certifying Entity (CE) for Cesium-137-free shrimp.
- Indonesia is now the first country globally authorized to certify seafood radiation safety, setting a new international precedent.
- The certification system began full operation on 31 October 2025, following joint efforts by KKP, Bapeten (Nuclear Regulatory Agency), and Customs.
- The shrimp exports comply with the FDA’s Yellow List protocol, ensuring traceability and safety from high-risk zones like Java and Lampung.
- Indonesia aims to export over 200 containers of certified shrimp to the U.S. by the end of November 2025.
- The government responded swiftly to the Cesium-137 issue with:
- Field audits
- Laboratory upgrades
- SOP improvements
- Data transparency and inter-agency coordination
Strategic Insights
Indonesia’s rapid recovery from the Cesium-137 shrimp export disruption showcases the country’s institutional agility and commitment to global food safety standards. By securing FDA recognition as a certifying authority, Indonesia has transitioned from a reactive exporter to a proactive regulator, capable of setting benchmarks in seafood safety.
The ability to resume exports within 2–3 months of the contamination alert reflects a robust quality infrastructure, including responsive laboratories, transparent data systems, and inter-agency collaboration. This turnaround not only salvages market access but also enhances Indonesia’s reputation as a reliable supplier in the competitive U.S. seafood market.
Strategically, the certification system offers long-term benefits:
- Strengthened export credibility across other high-standard markets like the EU and Japan.
- Increased bargaining power in trade negotiations involving food safety and technical barriers.
- Potential for regional leadership in seafood traceability and radiation safety protocols.
The incident also highlights the importance of risk management in agri-food exports, especially in an era of heightened consumer awareness and regulatory scrutiny. Indonesia’s response—marked by transparency, speed, and scientific rigor—sets a model for other emerging economies navigating similar crises.