PT Peter Metal Technology Ceases Operations Amid Radiological Concerns

Background and Operational History

PT Peter Metal Technology (PMT), a steel smelting company located in the Cikande industrial area, Serang, Banten, has officially ceased operations since July 2025. The company, which specializes in recycling scrap metal to produce steel, was identified as the source of radioactive cesium-137 contamination in the area. According to Setia Diarta, Director General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics Industry (ILMATE) at the Ministry of Industry, PMT's business license was issued in October 2024, indicating that the company operated for less than a year before shutting down.

Regulatory Oversight and Import Permits

The Ministry of Industry revealed that PMT had applied for raw material import permits in June 2025. However, the ministry never approved these requests before the company's closure. This regulatory scrutiny comes amid growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of PMT's operations. The swift shutdown highlights the ministry's strict enforcement of regulations, particularly regarding import permits for raw materials used in industrial processes.

Implications and Future Actions

The closure of PT PMT raises questions about the oversight of industrial activities and the handling of radioactive materials in Indonesia's industrial zones. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, further investigations into the contamination and the company's operational practices are likely. The incident underscores the need for stringent regulatory compliance and robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.