Heru Yustanto, Bogor – The Indonesian government has officially lifted all radiation seals in the Cikande Industrial Zone in Serang, Banten, after completing a month-long radioactive decontamination process, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq announced on Friday.
Hanif said the cleanup by the Nuclear Contamination Response Team had been completed efficiently, assuring the public that the area is now safe for industrial and residential activity.
"All seals have been lifted and decontamination has been completed, except for sites still under legal investigation," Hanif told reporters in Bogor.
He added that the case had now entered the investigation stage, with at least one suspect identified by police. The investigation follows the US rejection of Indonesian shrimp exports found to contain traces of the radioactive isotope Cesium-137.
"The legal process is now in the investigation phase, and a suspect has been named. I expect the environmental dispute will be resolved within two weeks, including determining the amount of damages to be paid by the company involved," he said, without naming the firm.
According to Hanif, the cleanup effort – involving multiple government agencies – has reached its final phase, with 22 facilities in industrial and residential zones already declared free from radioactive exposure.
"We will issue an official clearance declaration – there will be no further decontamination needed," he said.
Some smaller sites, however, remain under treatment, with full completion expected within one month.
Hanif also said the government is coordinating with the Banten provincial administration and Serang district authorities to relocate residents affected by contamination.
"Relocation should begin within one or two days. The provincial and local governments have prepared the transfer for several dozen households," he said.
The removal of radiation seals marks the final stage of environmental recovery following the detection of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in the Cikande industrial area last month. Authorities confirmed that the radiation originated from metal waste imported by a local company operating within the zone.
The government has since tightened import screening and industrial waste handling protocols to prevent future contamination incidents.
Cesium-137 is a highly radioactive isotope commonly produced as a byproduct of nuclear fission in reactors and weapons tests. It emits strong gamma radiation and can pose serious health risks if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. In industrial contexts, Cs-137 is often used in measuring instruments and medical radiotherapy devices, and contamination typically occurs when improperly handled or disposed of.