BAPETEN Stresses Radiation Safety For Cesium-137 Use In Indonesia

Jakarta – The Indonesian Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) has reaffirmed the paramount importance of radiation safety and protection in all applications of radioisotopes, including the widely used Cesium-137. The statement was delivered by Acting Head of BAPETEN, Zainal Arifin, during a national webinar and seminar titled "Socialization of Radioisotopes and Cesium-137 Radiation and Its Protection," organized by the Indonesian Women's Congress (KOWANI) in cooperation with Women in Nuclear (WIN) Indonesia on Wednesday, December 17, 2025[citation:].

The hybrid event forms part of a concerted public education campaign to promote the safe and responsible utilization of nuclear technology, engaging key stakeholders from government, professional circles, and community organizations[citation:]. This initiative arrives amid BAPETEN's ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination among producers and health facilities, as seen in a major safety coordination meeting held the following day.

In his presentation, Zainal Arifin detailed that while Cesium-137 is extensively utilized in health, industry, and research sectors, its use must strictly comply with radiation safety requirements and licensing provisions as mandated by national legislation[citation:]. "BAPETEN ensures that every use of radiation sources follows safety principles, from licensing and operational oversight to the preparation of competent human resources," Arifin stated[citation:].

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He emphasized BAPETEN's core function as an independent regulator is to guarantee protection for workers, the public, and the environment, while also providing legal certainty for nuclear energy users[citation:]. This regulatory mandate is detailed in specific instruments such as BAPETEN Regulation No. 6 of 2020 concerning Radiation Safety in the Production of Radioisotopes for Radiopharmaceuticals.

The webinar also tackled the critical need for public literacy to understand the distinction between the benefits of nuclear technology and its potential risks, aiming to dispel misconceptions and false stigma surrounding radioisotope use[citation:]. BAPETEN views such educational forums as strategic platforms to strengthen science-based public understanding and encourage safe, secure, and responsible nuclear technology applications in line with national and international standards[citation:].

These public-facing efforts are underpinned by rigorous technical oversight. BAPETEN's regulations assign clear duties to Radiation Protection Officers, including monitoring operational safety, ensuring protective equipment is functional, managing emergency response, and coordinating necessary training. The agency's recent coordination meeting with the Ministry of Health, BRIN, and producers focused on aligning safety and quality control standards during production stages.

By combining strict regulatory enforcement with proactive public communication, BAPETEN seeks to foster an ecosystem where the significant benefits of isotopes in medicine and industry can be harnessed without compromising on public or environmental safety. The collaboration with civil society groups like KOWANI marks a strategic step toward building informed societal trust in regulated nuclear applications.

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BAPETEN Cesium-137 Nuclear Regulator Indonesia Nuclear Technology Radiation Protection Radiation Safety Radioisotope