Investigation Uncovers Source of Radioactive Contamination in Cikande

Origin of Cs-137 Contamination Identified

The task force handling the Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in Cikande Industrial Area has made significant progress in identifying the source of the radioactive material. According to Bara Krishna Hasibuan, Chairman of the Task Force, the contamination originated from scrap metal used by PT Peter Metal Technology (PMT). However, the investigation has hit a roadblock as PMT has been closed for an extended period, making it challenging to trace the origin of the scrap metal.

Regulatory Checks Reveal No Import Permits

The task force conducted thorough checks with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Trade. The investigation revealed that there were no import permits or technical considerations issued for PMT to import scrap metal. Bara explained that before importing heavy equipment or scrap metal, companies must obtain Technical Consideration (Pertimbangan Teknis or Pertek) from the Ministry of Industry, along with other necessary recommendations. The absence of these documents for PMT raises questions about how the contaminated scrap metal was processed.

Implications and Next Steps

The discovery has significant implications for the industrial area and potentially broader environmental and health concerns. The task force is continuing its investigation to uncover the full extent of the contamination and identify how the scrap metal was sourced. This ongoing inquiry aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate any potential risks associated with radioactive materials in industrial settings.