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Alsharq Tribune-Zainab Hussin
The Indonesian government has sealed PT Peter Metal Technology (PMT)'s factory in Cikande industrial area in Banten province, after it was suspected as the source of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) exposure linked to frozen shrimp exports from PT Bahari Makmur Sejati.
The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency said in a statement on Monday that a Radiation Handling Acceleration Task Force was established to ensure food safety, protect the public, and safeguard the environment. Immediate decontamination was conducted to restore the area and minimize environmental impact.
In addition, a joint team from relevant departments carried out a scientific investigation in line with international standards. Findings showed that shrimp raw materials were safe, while low concentrations of Cs-137 were detected only in factory blowers and ventilators, below the threshold and promptly decontaminated.
"We fully support and are strongly committed to ensuring quality food in harmony with a sustainable environment. The radiation acceleration task force is a concrete manifestation of the government's commitment to protecting the people while maintaining ecosystem sustainability," said Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono in the statement.
