Government Destroys 494 Cs-137 Contaminated Shrimp Boxes, Handling Tightened

The government ensures the fast and thorough handling of the findings of the Cesium radionuclide contamination (Cs-137) on export shrimp from Indonesia. The Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized that the entire process of destruction and decontamination was carried out strictly in order to maintain food security and public safety.

The initial findings came from a US FDA report that identified contamination in a number of Indonesian shrimp products. Following up on this, BAPETEN conducted an examination of two shrimp containers suspected of being exposed in Nambo, Bogor Regency, Saturday, November 15.

Of the total 3,250 boxes of cardboard, there are 494 boxes (about 5.7 tons) that have been detected with Cs-137 surface contamination on the outside of the packaging.

Deputy for Control of Pollution and Environmental Damage KLH/BPLH as well as Chair of the Mitigation and Handling of Contamination, Ratio Ridho Sani, explained that the Cs-137 content in shrimp samples is still below the threshold.

The results of testing on shrimp samples show that the Cs-137 content is 10.8 Bq/kg (wet test). This value is smaller than 100 Bq/kg or Cs-137 light level which can be released into the environment," said Rasio, in his statement, Sunday, November 16.

Even though the value is below the safe threshold, the government still decided to destroy 494 shrimp boxes according to the recommendations of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (BARANTIN) and BAPETEN as well as the direction of Minister Hanif. "The destruction is carried out with the precautionary principle," added the Ratio.

The destruction was carried out using Vertical Stoker-type incinerators at temperatures of 800900 degrees Celsius, equipped with air emission control equipment and a sustainable emission monitoring system (Continuous Emission Monitoring System).

In addition to handling shrimp products, the government also continues the process of decontaminating the area exposed to Cs-137 in Cikande, Serang. The task force reported various significant advances, ranging from factories that had been fully decontaminated and returned to operation, to a number of red zones such as A, C1, D, H, and I which were declared safe by BAPETEN and BRIN.

Several other points such as the location of B, E, F, and F1 are in the stage of being alerted using K-350 concrete, while the F2 area is entering the final stages of cleaning. Area C behind the PT VP plant is also being prepared for *containment* through a refresh. The total amount of contaminated material that was successfully moved reached 975 tons and is now stored at the PT PMT Interim Storage. The entire process is targeted to be completed by the end of November.

Similar handling was also carried out in South Lampung. BAPETEN said the location was exposed in the cemetery area of Jl. Marga Dantaran No. 11 had been distributed and radiation exposure at three points fell to below 0.5 Sv/hour. Periodic monitoring is still carried out to ensure public safety.

Minister Hanif emphasized that the government will not compromise in ensuring the safety of the environment and food. Depletion of contaminated shrimp and decontamination of the area exposed to Cesium 137 is clear evidence of the government's commitment to maintaining food security, public safety, and environmental protection," he said.