The government has declared a special radiation emergency following the discovery of radioactive contamination in frozen shrimp exports traced to cesium-137 (Cs-137) in the Modern Industrial Estate, Cikande, Serang, Banten Province. 

The incident, first detected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has resulted in nine confirmed cases of contamination.

The Cesium-137 Task Force, established on September 11, 2025 and led by Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, confirmed that nine individuals have been exposed to radioactive substances. The task force is currently investigating the source and potential impacts of the contamination.

“We are prioritizing food safety, particularly in the shrimp industry, public health, and maintaining global trust in Indonesia’s fisheries,” Zulkifli said after a high-level ministerial meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

“Today we declare Cikande as a special Cs-137 radiation emergency area so that we can accelerate decontamination efforts,” he added.

Preliminary investigations identified Peter Metal Technology (PMT), a local iron smelting facility, as the primary source of contamination. Authorities also traced 15 scrap metal dealers in the area. “This type of smelting process using scrap powder should already be banned globally. How can it still be happening here?” Zulkifli remarked.

To ensure the safety of task force members, the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have established radiation safety perimeters, restricted access zones, and radiation dose monitoring for personnel on-site.

As part of the response, authorities will relocate approximately 700 kilograms of contaminated scrap metal from local collection sites to a temporary storage facility managed by PMT. Warning signs and radiation hazard barriers have also been installed, with residents urged to avoid the affected area.

Meanwhile, health authorities screened 1,562 workers and local residents. Nine individuals were confirmed contaminated through whole body counting (WBC) scans. They have been given prussian blue medication by Cikande’s public health center to help expel radioactive materials from their bodies.

“Treatment is ongoing. The Ministry of Health even brought in special medicines from Singapore to assist in the recovery efforts,” Zulkifli said.

According to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cesium is a naturally occurring element in rocks, soil, and dust, but cesium-137 is a highly radioactive isotope.

Large external exposures can cause radiation burns, acute radiation sickness, or even death. Internal exposure, through ingestion or inhalation, allows Cs-137 to accumulate in soft tissues, especially muscles, significantly raising cancer risks.

The government pledged to continue handling the case “scientifically and in line with international standards” while ensuring transparency and accountability to restore confidence in Indonesia’s seafood exports.