October 1, 2025 | 01:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has officially declared the Cikande Modern Industrial Area in Serang, Banten, a Special Incident of Cesium-137 (Cs−137) Radiation Pollution to protect the environment and public health. This status was announced by the Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, after the Radiation Cs−137 Handling Task Force worked intensively in the field for nearly two weeks.
The "Special Incident" designation places all activities within the area under the direct control of the Task Force. This strategic step ensures comprehensive, measurable, and safe handling for both the environment and public health.
The contamination was triggered by the discovery of several accumulation points of slag material containing the radioactive substance Cs−137. Recognizing the serious threat, the Ministry of Environment coordinated immediately with the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Indonesian Mobile Brigade Corps (KBRN) to secure the location and prevent direct human contact.
Decontamination and Site Control
The Mobile Brigade promptly deployed protective lines at eight identified points, followed by the decontamination process led by the Special Execution Team. The KLH/BPLH, along with a cross-sectoral team, continues to conduct additional detection sweeps for other potentially contaminated areas.
To date, Hanif confirmed that the Task Force has identified ten points emitting varying intensities of Cs−137 radiation. "Two points have been successfully decontaminated, and the radioactive material has been transferred to the warehouse of PT Peter Metal Technology Indonesia, which has been confirmed as a local pollution source," Hanif stated in a written release on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
All activities at the warehouse have been completely halted. The decontamination residue is being handled according to the strict standards set by BAPETEN and BRIN. The remaining eight points will be decontaminated gradually following a detailed inventory to ensure precise and effective handling parameters.
"To prevent the risk of wider radiation exposure, the police, together with BAPETEN, have put up warning signs and protective lines in all identified areas," he added.
Health Monitoring and Public Safety
The government urges the public not to approach or disturb these locations, as they pose significant health hazards.
Entrance and exit supervision in the area is now tightened through Radiation Portal Monitoring (RPM), installed on October 1. During the transition period, supervision is conducted manually using detectors owned by the Indonesian Mobile Brigade Corps, BAPETEN, and BRIN. Every item and individual leaving the area must be certified free from Cs−137 exposure.
"If any contamination is detected, decontamination is mandatory before permission to leave is granted," Hanif emphasized.
From a health perspective, the Ministry of Health is conducting intensive monitoring of local residents. "Individuals detected with higher contamination will undergo further examination using a Whole Body Counter (WBC) to ensure their body condition and continuous monitoring until they are declared safe," Hanif explained.
Commitment and Timeline
The government estimates that the decontamination and remediation process will require several months until the area is fully recovered.
Sugeng Sumbarjo, the Acting Head of BAPETEN, stressed that the government's rapid response is crucial in preventing wider risks.
"Cs−137 is a radioactive substance that requires high caution in handling. The swift actions taken by the government at present are maximum efforts to break the risk chain early," he commented.
Hanif assured the public that the situation remains under control. "Again, we emphasize that the situation is already under control with great precision. The public need not panic, as all handling measures are carried out with caution and in accordance with strict safety standards."
He concluded that the declaration of this special incident underscores the country's commitment: "Handling radiation pollution is not only about technical decontamination but also about the country's responsibility to protect its people. We ensure that the entire process is carried out in accordance with international safety standards, with solid cross-institutional collaboration."
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