The Government Forms a Task Force to Respond Quickly to Alleged Exposure to Cs-137 Radioactive Materials in Cikande
Jakarta – The Indonesian government has demonstrated its readiness and decisiveness in maintaining national food security and protecting the public from the potential dangers of radiation. The discovery of suspected exposure to radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in frozen shrimp products from Cikande, Serang Regency, Banten, immediately prompted the establishment of a Cs-137 Handling Task Force on September 11, 2025.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the government has designated the Cikande Modern Industrial Area as a Special Radiation Pollution Incident. “The handling of Cesium-137 has been taken seriously by establishing a task force. Starting today, all activities in the area are under the full control of the radiation handling task force,” he said.
The joint task force, comprising the Indonesian National Police (Polri), Bapeten (National Agency for Research and Development), BRIN (National Agency for Research and Innovation), and various related agencies, is equipped with modern detector equipment. Mapping revealed 10 radiation hotspots with varying intensities. Two hotspots have been successfully decontaminated, while the remaining eight are still under inventory.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the special incident status aims to expedite mitigation efforts and ensure that contamination does not spread. “The task force investigation confirms that the Cs-137 contamination occurred only in the Cikande area. There was no impact on the national supply chain or exports. The government wants the public and businesses to remain calm, as monitoring is being carried out strictly and in accordance with international standards,” said Zulhas.
Tests on 1,562 workers and residents revealed nine suspected cases of exposure, but all were successfully handled by the Ministry of Health. The government confirmed there were no serious health impacts.
The case initially surfaced after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled Great Value brand shrimp products from Walmart due to Cs-137 contamination. The Indonesian government responded quickly with a thorough investigation and international coordination, ensuring food safety.
The Head of the Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, emphasized the importance of providing clear facts to ensure Indonesia’s export reputation is not compromised. The government emphasized that all handling measures are being carried out scientifically, measurably, and transparently.
This swift action demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s reputation internationally. The negative narrative that had emerged was dispelled by the government’s concrete efforts to protect the national shrimp industry. Products found to be contaminated will be destroyed, while the food inspection system continues to be strengthened.
“The government prioritizes food security, protecting the public, and maintaining the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market. This swift response is clear evidence of the government’s presence in protecting the nation’s interests,” Zulhas emphasized.
