Environment Minister, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, on Tuesday (October 7), said this measure is part of the zoning process carried out by a joint team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN).
"We had conducted zoning related to the potential radiation up to five kilometers. We will handle the red zone first, followed by the yellow zone," he explained.
Nurofiq emphasized that restrictions on public movement are necessary to prevent direct exposure.
"We will limit people's movement in this area," he continued.
According to the minister, the response will focus on homes closest to the source of exposure.
"We only localize those nearby. Not all of them, just a few houses that need to be evacuated," he explained.
The joint team in the field has marked the dangerous areas with barriers and prohibition lines.
"The important thing is the public understands. This is being done by the Ministry of Health, the Indonesian Defense Forces, and the National Police to the community at those points," he continued.
The minister explained that the safe radiation threshold is set at below 1 microsievert per hour.
"The transmission distance will be safe when the figure reaches 1 microsievert. So, it should not exceed 1 microsievert per hour," he pointed out.
Nurofiq mentioned that this measure is being taken to ensure public safety until the decontamination process is complete.
"The important thing is the public understanding on the safe limits. This is being continuously disseminated," he remarked.
Previously, Cesium-137 exposure was reportedly found in PT BMS's frozen shrimp products exported to the US, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Last September, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan confirmed that the case of radioactive Cesium-137 contamination in shrimp products occurred only in the Cikande Modern Industrial Estate and did not spread to the national supply chain or exports.
Related news: Indonesia begins cleanup of radioactive Cs-137 in Cikande
Related news: Preliminary tests show no Cesium-137 contamination in clove products
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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