Indonesian Shoe Manufacturer Cleared After Radioactive Scare

Background on Contamination Issue

PT Nikomas Gemilang, a significant player in Indonesia's manufacturing sector and key supplier to international brands like Nike and Adidas, faced a serious radioactive contamination issue when Cesium-137 (Cs-137) was detected at their Serang, Banten facility. The contamination raised concerns about potential health risks and impact on export operations.

Decontamination Efforts and Clearance

The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) led the decontamination process in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry. According to Taufik Bawazier, Director General of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Textile Industry at the Ministry of Industry, the situation has been fully resolved. "The issue is completely settled. Nikomas Gemilang has received clearance from Bapeten, and there are no remaining problems," Taufik confirmed during a meeting at the DPR building in Jakarta. The successful decontamination has ensured that the factory's operations, including export activities, are proceeding without disruption.

Impact on Operations and Exports

The Ministry of Industry has assured that the radioactive contamination incident has not affected Nikomas Gemilang's export activities. The company's ability to continue supplying major international brands remains intact, preserving Indonesia's reputation as a reliable manufacturing hub. The swift resolution of this issue demonstrates effective collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.

Regulatory Oversight and Future Prevention

The incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight in industrial facilities. Bapeten's leadership in the decontamination process underscores the critical role of nuclear regulatory bodies in ensuring public and environmental safety. The Ministry of Industry is likely to review and potentially strengthen safety protocols in similar industrial facilities to prevent future occurrences.