Enviro News Asia, Serang – The Government, through the Ministry of Environment (KLH) and the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), has officially designated the Modern Cikande Industrial Estate, Serang Regency, Banten, as a Special Incident of Cesium-137 Radiation Contamination. This step was announced after nearly two weeks of intensive fieldwork by the Radiation Response Task Force (Satgas).
With this status, all activities within the area are now entirely under the control of the Task Force. The goal is to ensure that the response is carried out thoroughly, in a measured manner, and safely for both the environment and public health.
The case began with the discovery of slag dumping sites from smelting that contained the radioactive substance Cesium-137. Realizing the potential serious threat, KLH immediately coordinated with the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Police Mobile Brigade Corps (KBRN) to secure the location.
Eight initial points were cordoned off by KBRN before decontamination was carried out by the Special Team. So far, ten radiation-emitting points have been identified. Two of them have been successfully decontaminated, while the other eight are still in the process of detailed inventory before further cleaning.
The secured radioactive material was moved to the warehouse of PT Peter Metal Technology Indonesia, confirmed as the local source of contamination. All company activities have been halted, and the decontamination process is being carried out under strict standards from BAPETEN and BRIN.
To prevent wider exposure, police officers together with BAPETEN have installed warning signs in contaminated areas. The government has also formed a public communication team involving health workers, the military and police, community leaders, and religious figures to provide education and reassure residents.
In addition, Radiation Portal Monitoring (RPM) began to be installed on October 1 to monitor entry and exit from the area. While waiting for the device to become fully operational, temporary monitoring is being carried out manually using detectors from the Police, BAPETEN, and BRIN.
The Ministry of Health has ensured intensive monitoring of surrounding communities. Residents detected with higher exposure levels will undergo further examination with the Whole Body Counter (WBC) to assess their condition and ensure their safety.
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that the current situation is fully under government control.
“This condition is already very precisely under control. The public does not need to panic, all handling steps are carried out carefully under strict safety standards,” said Minister Hanif.
He also stressed that radiation management is not merely a technical matter but also a form of the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
“We ensure that the entire process follows international safety standards, with solid cross-agency collaboration,” he asserted.
Acting Head of BAPETEN, Sugeng Sumbarjo, added that the government’s swift action is very crucial.
“Cesium-137 is a radioactive substance that requires a high level of caution. The swift action taken by the government is a maximum effort to break the chain of risk from the outset,” explained Sugeng.
The designation of this special incident is proof of the government’s seriousness in protecting the environment and public safety from the threat of dangerous radiation. Through cross-sector coordination, strict monitoring, and transparent public communication, the government is working to ensure the area recovers in the coming months. (*)
