Enviro News Asia, Serang — The Indonesian government has confirmed that the management of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radiation contamination in the Modern Industrial Area of Cikande, Banten, is proceeding optimally, under control, and with full transparency. Through the Task Force for the Management of Cesium-137 Radionuclide Radiation Hazards, the government emphasized that all mitigation measures are being carried out swiftly, in coordination across agencies, and in compliance with strict environmental safety standards.
Minister of Environment and Chair of the Task Force, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that the government has taken strategic cross-sectoral measures to ensure public safety.
“We understand the public’s concern and wish to emphasize that the current situation is fully under control. The Task Force is working with strong commitment and precision to ensure the protection of community safety and health,” said Minister Hanif in an official statement on Saturday (October 17, 2025).
Since the initial detection of Cs-137 contamination, the government has acted quickly through collaboration between the Ministry/Agency for Environmental Protection (KLH/BPLH), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police, local governments, and affected communities.
Actions taken include: technical decontamination at exposed sites, enforcement of environmental laws, public education to ensure access to accurate information, and continuous radiation monitoring in affected areas.
Of the 22 factories initially identified as potentially exposed, 20 have been declared “clear and clean,” while the remaining two are in the final stages of decontamination.
Meanwhile, of 13 non-industrial areas such as scrapyards and junkyards, two have been fully cleared, with the rest undergoing intensive cleaning.
“Decontamination progress has been significant and rapid. We are optimistic that all affected areas will soon be clean and safe,” said Bara Hasibuan, Head of the Task Force’s Diplomacy and Communication Division.
As part of recent developments, the Task Force’s Law Enforcement Division has lifted the environmental supervisory seals on one factory, PT Jongka Indonesia, and one scrap metal site in Kampung Sadang.
Verification by BRIN and BAPETEN confirmed that both locations are “clear and clean,” with radiation levels below background values.
Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement at KLH/BPLH, Rizal Irawan, explained that the unsealing marks a legally and technically validated recovery.
“Legally, this means the violation has been resolved, environmental restoration is complete, and the site may resume operations in accordance with regulations,” he said. (*)
