Indonesia Intensifies Cesium-137 Cleanup at Multiple Cikande Industrial Sites After Exposure Cases

Indonesia is intensifying efforts to decontaminate Cesium-137 radioactive contamination discovered at the Cikande Modern Industrial Estate near Jakarta, traced primarily to a scrap metal plant operated by Peter Metal Technology (PMT). Authorities have identified 10 hotspots of contamination within the industrial zone and have imposed a special incident status with a five-kilometer perimeter around the epicenter, restricting movement and conducting door-to-door public education on safety measures. The cleanup involves heavy machinery removing contaminated soil and materials, which are stored temporarily, while police and radiation experts closely monitor the site to prevent further spread. Health screenings of over 1,500 workers and nearby residents found nine individuals exposed to Cs-137, all of whom are receiving treatment with Prussian blue medication at Jakarta hospitals and currently show no symptoms. The government is conducting ongoing environmental mapping and health surveillance to ensure the contamination is fully addressed and public health is protected. This incident has drawn international attention after the U.S. FDA detected Cs-137 traces in Indonesian food exports, including shrimp and cloves, prompting regulatory action and export restrictions.