The Ministry of Environment and Forestry confirmed on Friday in Serang that, as of Thursday, October 2, the task force for radiation contamination mitigation had conducted a thorough decontamination process.
"The team collected materials with high radiation levels using heavy equipment and transferred them to PT PMT’s temporary storage facility," said the ministry’s Deputy for Environmental Damage Control, Rasio Ridho Sani, in a statement.
Among the highly contaminated items secured were two jumbo bags and six High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) drums. As of October 2, the task force had collected a total of 20 drums, 17 jumbo bags, and three pallets.
Sani emphasized that the decontamination process will continue until the entire area is cleared of radioactive contamination.
“Cross-sectoral collaboration, public participation, and transparent information are essential to strengthen efforts in safeguarding environmental safety and protecting public health from the risks of radioactive exposure,” stated Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
Personnel from the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) are overseeing the decontamination team to ensure their safety from excessive radiation exposure.
The police are also monitoring access routes to prevent any spread of contamination beyond the affected area.
Nurofiq noted that this unusual case requires a multi-sectoral response. The task force will continue decontamination in other identified hotspots and remap the area to ensure no contaminated zones remain.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed that health screenings have been conducted for 1,562 individuals, including workers and residents near the industrial zone.
Nine individuals were found to have traces of radioactive material and have been taken to Fatmawati Hospital in Jakarta for further treatment.
Aji Muhawarman, Head of Communication and Public Information at the ministry, confirmed that all nine are asymptomatic and in stable condition.
“They are being treated with Prussian blue medication,” he said.
Muhawarman added that most cases can be managed through decontamination, medication, and long-term monitoring.
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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari Ramadhan, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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