Decontamination Task Force 2 Factory, 11 Non-industrial Areas In Cikande

The Radionuclide Radiation Handling Task Force Cesium-137 revoked the seal sign in the area that had been decontaminated and declared clean radioactive contamination /ANTARA /HO-KLH

JAKARTA - The Radionuclide Radiation Handling Task Force Cesium-137 (Cs-137) continues the process of decontaminating two factories and 11 non-industrial areas in the area around the Cikande Modern Industrial Estate, Serang Regency, Banten.

The Minister of Environment (LH, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq as the Daily Chair of the Task Force stated that the government has taken strategic and quick steps to prevent and overcome radionuclide exposure in the Cikande modern industrial area.

"We understand the public's concerns and want to emphasize that the current situation is fully under control. The task force is working fully committed and measurably to ensure public safety and health remain protected," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, October 18.

To date, of the 22 factories that were indicated to be contaminated, 20 of them have been decontaminated and declared clear and clean, while the other two factories are still in the process of being contaminated and are expected to be completed soon.

In addition, of the 13 non-industrial areas such as iron stalls and affected junk items (junkyard), two locations have been declared clean and safe, while the rest are still undergoing an intensive cleaning process.

Bara Hasibuan as Chair of the Cs-137 Task Force's Diplomacy and Communication Division in a similar statement said that the decontamination process was going well, ensured by verification by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten).

"Decontamination progress is very significant and runs fast. We are optimistic that all affected areas will be clean and safe soon," he said.

As a follow-up to the process, on Friday (17/10), the Task Force through the Law Enforcement Sector removed the line seal of the Environmental Supervisory Officer (PPLH) against a factory, PT Jongka Indonesia, and an area contaminated in an iron stall former Kampung Sadang.

The deletion of the seal indicates that the Cesium-137 radiation level has been below its natural value and the location has been declared safe for reuse.

Deputy for Environmental Law Enforcement KLH/BPLH, Rizal Irawan explained that the release of the seal has important legal and technical meanings. Legally, the move shows that violations have been stopped, environmental restoration has been completed, and the location can resume operations according to the provisions.

The government also ensures that all handling processes are carried out by referring to the principle of the police pay in principle, namely the party responsible for the pollution is obliged to carry out the responsibility of environmental restoration.

Companies involved in contamination are required to self-contaminate, bear all costs and supply of chemicals, with technical assistance from BRIN and Bapeten.

Meanwhile, for areas involving the community, the government takes full responsibility to ensure the safety and health of citizens.

"The safety and health of workers and residents are top priorities. We will not stop until the situation is completely back to normal," said Rizal Irawan.