Authorities intensify enforcement as hundreds of hazardous waste containers await return to origin
Batam is tightening its environmental defenses as customs authorities step up efforts to block hazardous waste from entering Indonesia illegally, signaling stronger cross-agency enforcement and corporate accountability.
Firm Action Against Illegal B3 Waste
Batam Customs continues its firm crackdown on the illegal import of hazardous and toxic waste, known locally as B3 materials. As of Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a total of 25 containers filled with B3 waste have been successfully reexported through Batu Ampar Port and returned to their countries of origin. This action forms part of a broader effort to resolve hundreds of similar containers still being held in Batam.
Hundreds of Containers Under Investigation
According to Evi Octavia, Head of the Compliance Guidance and Information Services Division at Batam Customs, authorities have identified 914 containers suspected of containing illegal B3 waste linked to three companies. Of this total, 49 containers have already received official reexport permits, although only 25 have physically exited Indonesia so far.
Company-Level Progress and Delays
PT Logam Internasional Jaya recently completed the reexport of 21 containers, while PT Esun Internasional Utama Indonesia returned four containers a week earlier. However, PT Esun still has 367 containers pending reexport applications out of 386, making it the largest unresolved case. PT Logam Internasional Jaya continues to hold 391 containers awaiting processing, while PT Batam Batery Recycle Industries has 107 containers still under review from a total of 116.
Rising Costs and Compliance Pressure
Evi emphasized that delays in submitting reexport applications will only increase storage costs at the port, placing additional financial pressure on companies. While acknowledging cooperative firms, she urged all remaining companies to act swiftly to prevent further logistical and regulatory complications.
Coordinated Environmental Safeguards
The reexport process is being carried out strictly according to procedure and under close coordination with BP Batam and the Batam Environmental Agency. This multi-agency collaboration underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding Batam’s environment from long-term contamination risks associated with illegal hazardous waste.
A Clear Signal to Importers
The ongoing enforcement effort sends a strong signal that Batam will not tolerate environmental violations linked to cross-border trade. Authorities have made it clear that full compliance is expected and that unresolved cases will remain under scrutiny until every illegal container is removed.
Batam’s decisive action against illegal B3 waste reinforces Indonesia’s growing emphasis on environmental governance and regulatory discipline. The case also serves as a reminder to regional trading partners, including Singapore-based operators, that stricter oversight now defines cross-border logistics in one of Southeast Asia’s most strategic industrial zones.
Sources: Batamnews (2026) , Website Bea Cukai (2026)
Keywords: Batam Customs, B3 Waste, Hazardous Materials, Reexport Containers, Environmental Law
