Indonesia has officially resumed spice exports to the United States after confirming that 174 tons of cloves and cinnamon are free from cesium-137 contamination. On December 15, 2025, the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) authorized the shipment, which departed from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya. The products originated from several Indonesian companies that were previously subject to heightened US import scrutiny. Following thorough testing and verification, US authorities accepted BPOM-issued cesium-137–free certifications, allowing exports to move forward smoothly.

The certification process was conducted in close coordination with the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) and supported by technical experts from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). BPOM emphasized that the earlier radiation concerns had temporarily disrupted Indonesia’s food exports, which are valued at approximately IDR 500 trillion annually. With the contamination issue fully resolved, including completed decontamination efforts in the Cikande industrial area, the government is optimistic that stricter supervision measures will soon be lifted. This development is expected to restore export flows to the US and strengthen Indonesia’s position in global spice markets.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2073773/indonesia-resumes-spice-exports-to-us-after-radiation-scare