Inp.polri.go.id - Serang.  The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) has secured radioactive material containing Cesium-137 after it was discovered at a scrap metal site in the Modern Cikande Industrial Estate, Serang Regency, Banten.

“We identified scrap metal contaminated with Cesium-137 and coordinated with police to secure the material,” said Zainal Arifin, the Bapeten’s Deputy for Licensing and Inspection, during a press conference on Friday (22/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The discovery followed an investigation into reports of Cesium-137 contamination in frozen shrimp processed by PT BMS for export to the United States. Field inspections revealed scrap metal with radioactive traces at a local collection site.

Bapeten, together with the Fisheries, Industry, and Environment ministries as well as the Indonesian National Police (INP), has expanded monitoring within a 20-meter radius, collecting samples and recording elevated radiation levels.

Cesium-137, an artificial isotope used in industrial gauges, is highly dangerous if misused. Authorities have restricted access to the contaminated area and will transfer the material to a secure facility.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)