“Based on expert explanations, this element is only produced in nuclear reactors. Since Indonesia does not have any nuclear reactors, it is possible that this contamination came from another country and entered unchecked,” the minister said on Tuesday.
He noted that the government has formed a special team to handle the case, beginning with decontamination at a remote location to reduce exposure risks.
“The material will be temporarily stored at PT Peter Metal Technology (PMT), the most feasible location before being moved to long-term storage,” Nurofiq added.
He pointed to a similar incident in 2019 in the Batan Indah area of South Tangerang as a reference for current procedures.
“We assure you that the public will remain safe. The government is handling this seriously,” he emphasized.
The removal process, he said, was carried out under the supervision of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), and the Indonesian National Police Bomb Squad (Gegana).
“A total of seven quintals of material were successfully moved to the PMT, with radiation levels dropping to 0.07–0.04 microsieverts per hour (µSv/h), equivalent to normal conditions,” he explained.
Some minor debris still needs to be cleared.
“Localization has been carried out at six locations. One location was completed today, and the remaining five will be handled in stages tomorrow,” the minister said.
“Storage at the PMT is temporary. The government, together with BRIN and BAPETEN, is formulating plans for a long-term storage facility,” he added.
He also confirmed that environmental conditions are currently under control.
“Radiation levels have dropped to 0.04 µSv/h, equivalent to normal conditions. This area is now safe for the public. However, we will continue to monitor the health of surrounding residents,” he noted.
Related news: Indonesia locks down a factory in Banten over Cesium-137 contamination
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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