Inp.polri.go.id - Serang. Indonesia has upgraded the Cikande Cesium-137 radiation case in Serang, Banten, to a criminal investigation, Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed on Monday (13/10/2025). 

The escalation marked a firm step by the government to address what he described as a serious public safety threat.

“The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency has officially raised the case from inquiry to investigation status,” Minister Hanif said. “The probe focuses on two main sources, possible radioactive contamination from imported metal scrap and potential leaks involving the commercial use of Cesium-137.”

He added that the investigation involves the police, the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the National Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) to trace the source accurately. The government has begun decontamination at ten identified sites, targeting full cleanup within a month.

Minister Hanif also announced a temporary suspension of metal scrap imports, calling the case a turning point in strengthening radioactive material regulations. 

“We must ensure this never happens again,” he said.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)