Currently more than 2.2 tons a year of hazardous and toxic (B3) wastes are exported to developing countries, including Indonesia. Indonesia as a country of archipelago is regarded as one of countries that apply lenient standards of environmental management particularly of B3 wastes.

Radioactive wastes have so far been imported from Taiwan into Irian Jaya (Papua). It was reported by the coordinating agency of Indonesian intelligence (BAKIN) as disclosed by deputy for environmental impact control of Indonesian ministry of environment (KLH) Isa Karmisa Ardiputra at workshop in Jakarta, Tuesday (January27).

Certain parties import B3 wastes either legally or illegally to Indonesia. They deceitfully change the status of wastes from B3 to non-B3. Country that is vigorously exporting B3 wastes to developing countries is Taiwan.

Taiwan exports low-radio active wastes to Indonesia via seaports in remote areas that are difficult to monitor. The imported B3 wastes are in form of briquettes that will be used for reclaiming the beach of Tambarani in Fak Fak of Irian Jaya. Other wastes are mixed metal scraps that are exported to Irian Jaya, West Nusa Tenggara, and Flores.

Taiwan makes excuses for such waste export confirming that the wastes are for the purpose of industrial recycle. Other import of waste comprises organic fertilizer and scarps of aluminum, copper, iron, steel, and tin. As planned the wastes will be for make of cone block and concrete used for road refill in Irian Jaya, Minahasa, and Sulawesi.