Cesium-137 Findings In Serang, KLH/BPLH Seal Metal Companies Tighten Industrial Supervision
SERANG The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) emphasized that it will tighten supervision of radiation-risk industries following the discovery of indications of a cesium-137 (Cs-137) source in the Cikande Modern Industrial Estate, Serang Regency, Banten.
Deputy for Law Enforcement of KLH/BPLH Inspector General of Police Rizal Irawan said field monitoring did not only stop at one company, but also targeted other regional and industrial managers around it.
"The joint team will continue to monitor the field of other companies and ensure that the legal process runs. Corporations that deliberately violate will be subject to criminal sanctions in accordance with statutory provisions," said Rizal in Serang City, Antara, Friday, September 12.
He explained that the sealing measures taken at PT Peter Metal Technology Indonesia (PMT) were part of efforts to prevent further risk of pollution.
"Installation of lines of environmental supervisory officials (PPLH), in addition to stopping risks, is also to protect public health and workers from radiation hazards," said Rizal.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH)/BPLH ensures that law enforcement will be carried out criminally and civilly in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management. Handling environmental crimes is carried out by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Police, while the civil aspect related to environmental losses is also the focus of the investigation.
Rizal added that this case is a reminder of the importance of the metal industry and related sectors to comply with safety standards.
"We will not tolerate practices that endanger the safety of the community and the environment," he said.
KLH/BPLH together with Bapeten, BRIN, and other law enforcement officials will continue to coordinate ensuring export food security, community protection, and radiation-based environmental sustainability.
"The goal is to prevent similar cases from happening again, while at the same time maintaining international trust in Indonesian export products," said Rizal.
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Menteri Lingkungan Hidup/Kepala BPLH Hanif Faisol Nurofiq pada kesempatan sebelumnya juga menegaskan bahwa pemerintah tidak akan mentoleransi praktik industri yang membahayakan keselamatan publik. “Investigasi ini menjadi bukti keseriusan pemerintah dalam melindungi masyarakat dari risiko radiasi,” katanya.
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Minister of Environment/Head of BPLH Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on the previous occasion also emphasized that the government will not tolerate industrial practices that endanger public safety. "This investigation is proof of the government's seriousness in protecting the public from radiation risks," he said.