The initial finding stemmed from tests by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which detected Cs-137 at 117 Bq/kg in breaded shrimp products. Although this level is far below the FDA’s intervention threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg and Indonesia’s standard of 500 Bq/kg, a joint team comprising the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), Gegana (Bomb Squad), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), and the Ministry of Environment promptly launched an investigation in the Modern Cikande Industrial Area, Serang, Banten.
Field measurements revealed a shocking result: the highest radiation dose rate was detected at PT Peter Metal Technology Indonesia (PMT), a stainless-steel smelting company that has now become the main focus of the investigation. The site was immediately cordoned off by Environmental Supervisory Officers (PPLH) to prevent further risk.
“We will not tolerate industrial practices that endanger public safety and the environment. This investigation is proof of the government’s seriousness in protecting public health and ecosystems from radiation risks,” Minister Hanif stated in an official release on Thursday (Sept. 11).
The Ministry of Environment’s Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement, Police Inspector General Rizal Irawan, added that legal action would be taken against any parties proven to have violated regulations.
“Corporations within the area, industrial park managers, and factories outside the zone that meet the criteria for violations will face criminal sanctions under existing laws,” he said.
This action refers to Minister of Environment Regulation No. 7 of 2014 on Environmental Losses Due to Pollution or Environmental Damage, which mandates prompt measures to prevent further environmental harm.
The Ministry of Environment, BAPETEN, BRIN, and law enforcement authorities remain committed to strengthening oversight of industries with potential radiation hazards. The government also guarantees the safety of Indonesia’s export food products, while safeguarding public health and environmental sustainability.
Through swift action and cross-agency coordination, the government hopes the Cikande case will serve as an important warning for industries to comply with safety and environmental standards. (*)
