Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Health Ministry confirmed that nine people tested positive for exposure to radioactive cesium-137 (Cs-137) following whole-body counter (WBC) examinations in the contaminated industrial zone of Cikande, Serang, Banten.
The victims, who were treated at Fatmawati Hospital in Jakarta, are currently asymptomatic and in stable condition, officials said.
Aji Muhawarman, spokesperson for the Health Ministry, said authorities have screened about 1,562 workers and residents near the Cikande Industrial Estate after the discovery of radioactive contamination linked to Cs-137.
Aji said that the screenings were conducted in several layers. “First with a survey meter to detect external radiation on the body and clothing. If positive, subjects underwent decontamination, showering, changing clothes, then re-examination,” Aji Said on Friday (October 3).
The process also included blood tests to check for decreased lymphocyte levels. Those with abnormal results were referred for WBC scans to detect internal radiation exposure and measure cesium levels in the body.
“If serious indications are found, patients are referred to a national referral hospital (Fatmawati) for further examination and treatment,” Aji added.
Health officials noted that Cs-137 exposure can cause acute radiation syndrome, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, and reduced white blood cell counts. Skin and tissue damage such as redness, blisters, and radiation burns may also occur. High-level exposure could lead to bleeding, severe infections, organ failure, and even death.
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Earlier this week, the government’s task force on Cs-137 radiation declared Cikande an official “special incident zone” for radioactive exposure.
“We are designating Cikande as a special radiation incident zone. It’s only in Cikande, nowhere else,” Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs and task force chair Zulkifli Hasan told reporters on Tuesday.
Zulkifli stressed that contamination was limited to the Modern Cikande Industrial Estate in Serang, Banten. Authorities said they have localized the source of radiation and ruled out any spread beyond the area.
“To be clear, it’s just one spot in Cikande,” Hasan emphasized. “This is a special incident status, but only for Cikande Industrial Estate. I repeat, it’s not happening anywhere else.”
(Raidi/Agung)
