Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Task Force for the Handling of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is intensifying mitigation and decontamination efforts across industrial and residential areas in Cikande, Serang Regency, Banten Province, following the detection of radioactive contamination earlier this year.
So far, 22 factories previously found to be contaminated have completed the cleanup process, according to Rasio Ridho Sani, head of the task force’s Mitigation and Contamination Control Division. The task force is now expediting decontamination at 12 additional sites, including vacant lots, scrapyards, and residential zones.
“The accelerated decontamination process was ordered by the Minister of Environment, who also serves as the task force’s daily chair. All contaminated sites are expected to be declared safe by December,” Rasio said in a statement quoted by Detik on Monday (Oct. 27).
Authorities said the cleanup aims to prevent potential radiation exposure from Cs-137, a hazardous radioactive isotope, to both factory workers and nearby residents. Special attention is being given to two high-risk zones — identified as “Red Zones” — in residential areas F2 and E in Kampung Barengkok, Sukatani Village, Cikande District.
“Accelerating decontamination is crucial to protect public health,” Rasio said. “We are prioritizing sites with high radiation levels located near homes. Following consultations with residents, the task force has carried out temporary relocations.”
A total of 91 residents have been temporarily relocated for safety reasons. Before relocation, residents and their belongings were screened with radiation survey meters and underwent medical checkups at the Cikande community health center. “We ensure radiation safety for both residents and medical workers,” Rasio added.
The first phase of relocation, involving 19 families (63 people) from Zone F, was completed on October 22, while 28 additional residents were moved in the second phase on October 26. The relocation allows cleanup crews to remove contaminated materials without exposing the public to airborne radioactive dust.
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Out of 12 non-industrial sites identified, five have been fully decontaminated, while seven remain under active cleanup. To date, the task force has transferred 222.6 cubic meters (roughly 371 tons) of radioactive waste to a temporary storage facility.
Additionally, 32,363 vehicles have been screened using Radiation Portal Monitoring (RPM) systems, with no new detections of Cs-137 in the past week, a sign of declining airborne contamination levels in the Cikande area.
Rasio concluded by thanking local residents for their cooperation throughout the relocation and mitigation efforts, saying their support has been vital in ensuring the safety and success of the cleanup operation.
(Raidi/Agung)
