Indonesia has suspended all scrap metal imports following the discovery of Cesium-137 contamination at a steel smelting plant in Banten Province. Authorities found traces of radiation in metal waste stored at a warehouse in Cikande Industrial Estate, reportedly linked to imported scrap used by PT Peter Metal Technology (PMT).

Investigators suspect airborne dust from the smelting process spread the radioactive particles, contaminating nearby facilities. The case has now escalated into a criminal investigation led by the national police. Until local smelters meet upgraded safety standards, no new import permits will be issued. Each facility must install a dual foreign material exclusion (FME) system, radiation entry monitors, and continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) before imports resume, ensuring full compliance with radiation safety protocols.