Sudaryono, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI), said his office is still gathering complete information before issuing an official stance.
“We are currently collecting more detailed information. Of course, any findings must first be checked: to what extent, in what quantity, in which area, and why,” he stated after attending the plenary meeting and inauguration of the HKTI National Leadership Council for 2025–2030 in Jakarta on Friday.
He stressed that he does not want to amplify the issue without clear evidence. So far, he added, no direct reports have been received from farmers regarding the suspected contamination.
Earlier, the FDA reported suspected radioactive contamination in Indonesian clove products exported by PT NJS and subsequently blocked all spice imports from the company.
The case followed a similar incident in August, when the FDA rejected shipments of frozen shrimp from Indonesia over the same concern.
In response, the Task Force for Handling Cesium-137 Radiation Hazards, led by Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, sealed a factory area suspected to be the source of contamination at the Modern Industrial Estate in Cikande, Serang District, Banten Province.
The government has also carried out decontamination efforts at several sites, prepared temporary storage facilities for Cesium-137 waste, and provided health treatment for residents affected by radiation exposure.
Related news: Preliminary tests show no Cesium-137 contamination in clove products
Related news: Gov't to investigate radioactive contamination allegedly in cloves
Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Primayanti
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