Indonesia escalates probe into Cesium-137 radiation case

 Indonesia has raised the status of the Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radiation exposure case in the Cikande Modern Industrial Estate, Banten, to a full investigation, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq 

Nurofiq emphasized that legal action is part of the government's effort to resolve the case, which poses serious risks to public safety.

"From a legal perspective, the status of the case has been raised by investigators from the Criminal Investigation Unit from inquiry to investigation," he said.

He said investigators are pursuing two leads: potential contamination from imported iron and steel scrap containing radioactive materials, and possible leakage or waste from the commercial use of Cs-137.

"The police are currently investigating these two aspects, and we hope the process will produce a thorough conclusion soon," he added.

The investigation involves the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) to identify the precise source of radiation.

Beyond the legal process, the government is carrying out decontamination at ten sites identified as exposed to radiation. The comprehensive cleanup is targeted for completion within a month, while contaminated units are expected to be cleared within a week.

Nurofiq described the case as a turning point for tightening regulations on radioactive materials.

"The Ministry of Environment has temporarily suspended imports of steel and iron scrap. The Ministry of Trade has also halted imports until stricter oversight is in place," he said.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to resolving the case thoroughly to ensure public safety and restore confidence in environmental supervision.

"We ask for public support as we work to ensure safety, certainty, and comfort, while maintaining economic growth and public welfare," he stated.