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| E-scrap shipments |
Environmental groups demand return of illegal e-scrap
Environmental organizations urge Indonesia to return 914 containers of suspected illegal e-scrap. The Basel Action Network (BAN), Nexus3 Foundation, and Ecoton sent an open letter to President Prabowo Subianto and relevant ministers. They highlight risks of misdeclared shipments and stress full transparency for public trust. Meanwhile, seized containers remain at Batam’s Batu Ampar Port, raising concerns over compliance with the Basel Convention.
Risk identification and regulatory enforcement
BAN’s Operation Can Opener identifies over 1,500 high-risk containers from the United States. These shipments may carry illegally exported e-scrap or plastic scrap. The initiative warns destination governments, including Indonesia, to prevent illicit trafficking. In addition, the groups demand strict penalties for misdeclaration, closure of complicit companies, and transparent publication of container numbers. As a result, regulators can curb environmental and public health risks effectively.
Calls for accountability and repatriation
Groups insist illegal e-scrap shipments must return to origin countries at the expense of responsible private actors, including shipping lines and importers. They oppose domestic auctions of hazardous containers. Furthermore, they urge both Indonesian and U.S. authorities to enforce Basel Convention obligations. Therefore, the e-scrap industry must adopt proactive monitoring to prevent future illegal exports and protect the circular economy.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Indonesia’s enforcement actions mark progress in managing e-scrap flows, but transparency gaps persist. If container numbers are fully disclosed, illegal exports can be traced, reducing environmental and reputational risks. This incident highlights the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to stabilize e-scrap market pricing and supply chains.
