This verification activity is part of BAPETEN's supervisory function to ensure that all aspects of safety, security, and operational readiness of the facility are in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations, and to support the use of nuclear technology that is safe, secure, and beneficial for the national industry.

PT Rel-Ion Sterilisation Services is the first private company in Indonesia to provide sterilisation and preservation services for various products using gamma irradiation technology with a Cobalt-60 (Co-60) radioactive source. In line with technological advancements and industrial needs, the company has diversified its irradiation technology by adding an electron-beam (e-beam) irradiation facility, utilising an ionising radiation generator with a maximum energy of 10 MeV.

The selection of electron-beam (e-beam) irradiation technology was based on several considerations, including the limited availability of Cobalt-60 radioactive sources, the relative ease of mitigating operational risks, as well as the efficiency and reliability of ionizing radiation generator technologies that have been widely adopted in many countries.

The on-site verification team was led by Grace Esterina as team leader, with team members Muttaqin Margo Nirwono, Ika Andesmawati, and Kristyo Rumboko, who are evaluators from the Industrial and Research Facilities Licensing Function Group.

The activity began with an entry meeting attended by Syahrul Nurtama, representing the General Affairs division of PT Rel-Ion Sterilization Services, along with the company’s technical team. During the meeting, the Verification Team Leader conveyed the objectives, scope, and field inspection methods to be carried out over the four-day verification period.

The on-site verification stages were conducted through document review and inspection of the facility’s compliance, including facility design, radiation protection program, source safety assessment, availability of irradiator personnel, infrastructure and supporting systems, radiation monitoring equipment, as well as the facility’s management and maintenance systems.

In addition, the BAPETEN team conducted radiation exposure measurements around the facility, including the operator room, the loading and unloading areas for products to be irradiated or already irradiated, as well as other critical points. The team also verified that the interlock systems and safety features were functioning properly, and that system operation and shutdown procedures were carried out in accordance with established operating guidelines.

The activity concluded with an exit meeting led by the Verification Team Leader. During this session, the team presented a summary of the results and provided recommendations for improvement to the company, aimed at strengthening the implementation of radiation safety at the facility. (DPFRZR/kristyo/BHKK/CD)