Cases Of Cesium-137 Radiation Pollution In Cikande Industrial Estate Rise Investigation

Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq in Serang Regency, Banten, Monday (13/10/2025). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The government has raised the status of handling cases of exposure to Cesium-137 radiation in the Cikande industrial area, Serang Regency, Banten Province, to the investigation stage.

Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that this legal step is part of the government's integrated efforts to resolve cases that are considered serious and have a broad impact on public safety.

"From a legal point of view, today the status of handling cases has been raised by Bareskrim Polri investigators, from an investigation to an investigation," said Hanif in Serang Regency, Banten, Monday, October 13, confiscated by Antara.

According to him, tracing of sources of radiation is carried out massively from the two main sides. First, it may come from the importation of iron and steel stamps containing radioactive material. Second, from the potential for leakage or the use of Cesium-137 for commercial purposes.

"These two sides are being investigated by Bareskrim very seriously, and in the not too distant future it is hoped that the search can produce careful conclusions," he said.

Hanif added that the investigation involved support from BIN and BAPETEN to ensure the source of the radiation could be identified appropriately.

"All lines are carried out carefully to ensure that similar incidents cannot happen again in this Republic," he said.

He asked the public to be patient waiting for the results of the investigation. Currently, said Hanif, Bareskrim Polri has expanded the investigation team and asked for information from a number of parties suspected of being involved.

"In the not too distant future, hopefully the Cesium-137 radiation problem can be resolved soon," he said.

In addition to legal steps, the government has also decontaminated at ten points that have been identified as being exposed to radiation. A thorough cleaning is targeted to be completed within a maximum of one month, while the polluted units are expected to be completed within one week.

Hanif emphasized that public health management will continue to be carried out continuously by the Banten Provincial Government, Serang Regency Government, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Manpower, and Ministry of Social Affairs.

"These integrated steps are taken so that this problem can be resolved immediately, provide a sense of security, and certainty to the community," he said.

He also called the momentum of this case a turning point to tighten regulations and supervision of radioactive materials in Indonesia. "The Ministry of Environment has temporarily suspended the importation of steel and iron scraps. The Ministry of Trade has also stopped imports until there is a more stringent management arrangement," said Hanif.

The government, he continued, is committed to resolving this case thoroughly to ensure public security and maintain confidence in the environmental control system. "We ask for prayers and support so that the government can resolve this case, provide a sense of security, certainty, and comfort for the community, as well as maintain economic growth and public welfare," said Hanif.