BAPETEN Conducts Field Verification on Findings of Radioactively Contaminated Clove Commodities in Lampung
Kembali 27 Oktober 2025 | Berita BAPETEN | 34 lihat
The BAPETEN Emergency Response Unit (STD) team conducted a field verification regarding the findings of radioactively contaminated clove commodities in Lampung. The first activity took place from 8 to 11 October 2025, involving environmental monitoring and radiation exposure measurements at clove collection warehouses and clove plantations in Kalianda District, Penengahan District, and Pesawaran Regency, Lampung.
During this initial monitoring, the team coordinated with the Ministry of Environmental (KLH), the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the Police Gegana Bomb Disposal Unit (KBR Polri). The monitoring results revealed the presence of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radionuclide contamination and high radiation exposure at several measurement points.
During the first field verification, the team also detected Cs-137 contamination in several clove products stored in warehouses. Accordingly, BAPETEN collected samples of clove flowers, clove stems, soil, and water for laboratory testing at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). BAPETEN has recommended that clove commodities from the affected areas not be sold until the laboratory test results from BRIN are completed.
Subsequently, from 24 to 27 October, a Joint Team consisting of BAPETEN’s Emergency Response Unit (STD), BRIN, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH), and the Police Gegana Bomb Disposal Unit (KBR Polri) conducted follow-up monitoring at several points suspected to be sources of contamination in the area. In addition to monitoring, BAPETEN carried out public outreach and measured contamination at the residences of nearby residents.
The Joint Team identified locations suspected to be sources of contamination with radiation dose rates above the safe threshold, specifically in the Penengahan Village Cemetery area. The site was treated with a 13 cm-thick layer of cement. The team then re-measured the points with the highest radiation levels. The results showed that this action successfully reduced radiation exposure to below the safe threshold, making the area safe for the public.
Furthermore, BAPETEN also traced the source of contamination to fertilizer distributors in the Lampung area. The investigation found no Cs-137 contamination in the fertilizer products there.
This activity demonstrates BAPETEN’s prompt response to radioactive contamination incidents in Indonesia, particularly involving food commodities. BAPETEN will continue to trace the primary sources of contamination in this incident, which requires periodic monitoring and collaboration with various stakeholders in the area. [BHKK/Da]
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