Government Will Recolate Residents Of The Red Zone For Cesium-137 Radiation In Cikande Banten

Forkopimda Banten Province held a PHBS socialization against the area exposed to contamination at the Cikande District Office, Serang Regency, Banten, Monday (13/10/2025). (ANTARA/Devi Nindy)

JAKARTA - The Banten Provincial Government (Pemprov) together with the Banten Regional Police (Polda) ensure the safety of residents living in the red zone of Cesium-137 radiation in the Cikande industrial area, Serang Regency, through a decent temporary relocation.

Banten Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Hengki emphasized the importance of speed and accuracy of the evacuation process for affected residents.

"We hope that, especially in the near future, people living in red zone points can be temporarily evacuated. Data collection must be really accurate, who should leave the place, how need for their beds, bathrooms, toilets, to transportation for work or school," said Hengk after socializing healthy clean living behavior (PHBS) in a polluting exposed environment, at the Cikande District Office, Serang Regency, Banten, Monday, was confiscated by Antara.

He revealed that three locations have been prepared as temporary relocation sites, namely the Work Training Center (BLK), PGRI Building, and Wisma Bhayangkara. The facility, he said, would be used until the area's decontamination process was completed.

"If 100 families are evacuated, the number of school children must be calculated, and their transportation to schools must be prepared. The Education Office must be present," he said.

The Kapolda also emphasized that relocation should not interfere with residents' economic activities. "If it is placed in Serang City, it means that there must be transportation every day, it can be by bus or truck. They cannot lose access to work," he said.

The Hengki Police Chief added that the Cikande radiation case had become a national and even international concern.

He hopes that the handling of the case can be completed before Ramadan. If possible before Ramadan is over, so that people can worship in peace. This is important so that we can all focus, be safe and comfortable," he said.

Meanwhile, Banten Governor Andra Soni said the government had mapped the affected areas into two categories, namely the red zone and the yellow zone.

"We have been able to map areas that are in the red zone and the yellow zone. Anticipation and steps that must be taken have also been arranged. Each problem is handled by competent parties," said Andra.

He explained that a joint team consisting of elements of the regional government, ministries, and law enforcement officials had handled sources of hazardous materials and carried out a decontamination process.

"Our target is, hopefully in the not too distant future, after more than two months, the government can announce that this area is all safe," he said.

According to the Governor, radiation events in Cikande are important lessons about the importance of cross-agency collaboration.

This is a form of collaboration that shows that we are a great nation. We can overcome this problem together. We have experts, we have tools, and we have all the resources to overcome them," he said.

The government has also prepared a temporary relocation scheme for the worst-affected residents, taking into account the feasibility of the place and continuity of residents' activities.

"There are several temporary relocation plans until the decontamination process is complete. The Kapolda has prepared a place, the Regent (Sang Regency) has also prepared a place, and the Banten Provincial Government, God willing, will prepare a place as well," said Andra.