The radioactive waste originated from scrap material stored at the company’s facility, Nurofiq said.
“An investigation has concluded, and a criminal probe is now underway. All the contaminated scrap was produced and improperly stored by PT PMT. No one expected cesium, but this was a clear case of negligence,” he said.
Nurofiq, who also heads the Cs-137 Radiation Task Force, said decontamination has been completed at 22 factories. Cleanup is ongoing at 10 more locations to eliminate radioactive traces.
Authorities are preparing to relocate residents living near the contamination zone, especially those within the “red zone” closest to the PMT facility.
“Residents will be moved temporarily while the area is cleaned. Hopefully, the process will be completed in a month and they can return safely,” he said.
The government is targeting full decontamination by December 2025, including at affected factories and sites within the industrial complex.
Related news: Indonesian govt to issue new industrial radiation reporting rules
The task force began initial cleanup at 10 priority locations where contamination was detected. The process is being carried out with precautions to ensure environmental safety.
The environment minister stressed that inter-agency cooperation is critical for managing the cleanup and relocation efforts.
Local and national authorities are involved in monitoring and supporting affected communities.
On Monday, October 13, Nurofiq said the contamination incident serves as a warning for Indonesia to enhance its hazardous material detection systems and strengthen environmental risk mitigation measures.
Radiation levels at one location in the contaminated industrial area were recorded at 33,000 microsieverts per hour—875,000 times higher than natural background radiation.
The minister highlighted the fatal risks posed by such extreme exposure to both humans and the environment.
At least nine staff members were exposed to Cs-137, according to the Health Ministry’s Whole Body Counting test.
Nurofiq expressed relief that the affected individuals received immediate medical treatment and are currently recovering at home under the Health Ministry’s supervision.
He again emphasized that this contamination must be addressed through collaborative and measured efforts from all stakeholders.
Related news: Cs-137 decontamination targeted for completion in December: Minister
Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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