November 21, 2025 | 03:32 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suddenly contacted Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries some time ago. They asked for clarification and data on the quality of seafood sourced from the waters around Obi Island, South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku.
Reports sent to the FDA alleging that fish from Obi waters contain heavy metals have alarmed the United States government. The US is one of the largest importers of Indonesian fishery products.
"The FDA asked whether the Ministry of Marine Affairs had reviewed reports that tuna and other fish exported to the US are contaminated with heavy metals," said M. Aji Purbayu, Head of Cooperation and Public Relations at the Ministry's Quality Agency, speaking to Tempo on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
According to Aji, the US first raised questions about possible heavy metal contamination in Indonesian seafood back in April 2023. The FDA suspected that tuna and other fish exported from Indonesia to the US may include products contaminated by pollution originating around Obi Island. They asked whether Indonesia had taken follow-up measures such as environmental assessments, fishing-area closures, export restrictions, or monitoring of heavy metal levels in local catch. "The FDA also asked about Indonesia's standards for handling heavy metals in fish and fisheries products," Aji said.
Traces of Heavy Metals in Obi Island Waters
6 jam lalu
Harita Nickel is suspected of concealing research findings on heavy metals in Obi waters. The results are not mentioned in the company's prospectus.
