Government Prepares Second Phase Relocation For Residents Affected By Radioactive Cesium-137 In Cikande

Deputy for Control of Pollution and Environmental Damage (PPKL) of the Ministry of Environment, Ratio Ridho Sani. BETWEEN/Devi Nindy

SERANG - The Central Government together with the Serang Regency Government have prepared the second phase of relocation for eight families in Sukatani Village, Cikande District, Banten, which was affected by the Cesium-137 radioactive exposure.

Deputy for Control of Pollution and Environmental Damage (PPKL) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Ratio Ridho Sani, said the eight families were part of 30 families who were directly affected.

"We have carried out the first stage of relocation for 19 families or 63 people in Kampung Barengkok, Sukatani Village. Now we are preparing the second phase of relocation for eight families with a total of 28 people," said Rasio in Serang, Antara, Thursday, October 23.

He explained that the relocation process was carried out in stages with the Serang Regency Government with the help of the police and the TNI.

"We want this process to be completed soon so that the decontamination can run faster and safer," he said.

The other three families, continued Rasio, no longer live in the contaminated zone. However, the team will still re-check to ensure the suitability of the data in the field.

The ratio emphasized that relocation is important so that officers can work without the risk of additional exposure.

"If people still live in locations, it can make it difficult for the team and endanger health because radiation particles can be carried away by the air," he said.

He added that the temporary relocation location was still in Barengkok Village, but it was outside the contamination zone. "We make sure all residents are in a safe place and can continue their daily activities," he said.