Predict The Elements Of Intention Behind The Findings Of Radioactive Waste

Location for cleaning up radioactive waste in Batan Indah Housing, Serpong (Debi Astari / VOI)

JAKARTA - The police are still investigating the findings of radioactive waste in an empty land in Batan Indah Housing, Serpong, South Tangerang. The suspicion that there were parties who deliberately disposed of the hazardous substances were raised.

This suspicion led to samples of radioactive substances found in the vicinity. It is known that the radioactive substance is Cesium 137 or Cs 137, which is often used for industrial and hospital purposes.

"Cs 137 is a product made for several purposes, for example in industry or hospitals," Purnomo told VOI, Tuesday, February 18.

If described, Cesium 137 is a byproduct of the nuclear fission process. This compound is often used in radio therapy for prostate cancer patients.

This assumption is even stronger when viewed from the shape of CS 137 which is a solid object. Thus, it is impossible for a leak to occur in the laboratory container or pipe from the science and technology research center (Puspiptek), such as an issue that develops in society.

"Now it is being investigated to find out who owns the substance and where it is used. Because everything related to radioactive substances must have permission from Bapetan and cannot be arbitrary," said Purnomo.

It was confirmed separately, the Director General for Certain Crimes, Brigadier General Agung Budijono, was economical in talking about the results of the temporary police investigation. Including the suspicion of irresponsible parties who deliberately dumped the radioactive waste around residential areas.

"It is still under investigation," he said.

As previously reported, the Police deployed a Detachment E Gegana team to investigate radioactive substances found in an empty land in a residential area. Later, the Forensic Laboratory Center (Puslabfor) will also help uncover these findings.

The Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten) together with the National Nuclear Energy Agency (Batan) continue to clean up the remaining radioactive waste at Batan Indah Housing, Serpong, South Tangerang (Tangsel). At least 107 drums of various sizes were used to transport the remaining radioactive waste.

Batan also said that the level of radiation exposure at the location had also started to decrease significantly. Where 100 officers from Batan and Bapetan have carried out the clean up process for four days, since last Saturday.