The series of activities included BAPETEN attendance at the inauguration of a radiopharmaceutical production facility as well as its participation in the ceremonial release of spice exports to the United States. Both activities were directly related to radiation safety aspects and the protection of public interests.

Supervision of the Nuclear Energy Utilization in the Health Sector

In the morning, the Deputy Chairman for Nuclear Safety Assessment (Dep. PKN) of BAPETEN, Haendra Subekti, attended the inauguration of a radiopharmaceutical production facility in the Waru area, Sidoarjo. BAPETEN presence was part of its regulatory supervision function in the utilization of nuclear energy, particularly the use of radioisotopes for medical purposes.

BAPETEN ensured that the utilization of nuclear technology at the facility complies with radiation safety and nuclear security requirements, as stipulated in the prevailing laws and regulations as well as in the nuclear energy utilization licenses issued following evaluation and verification processes.

In his remarks, Haendra Subekti stated that the utilization of nuclear energy in the healthcare sector provides significant benefits to the public, but must be managed under strict regulatory supervision.

"BAPETEN ensures that radiation safety aspects are fulfilled to protect workers, patients, the public, and the environment," he said.

He further added that in carrying out its mandate, BAPETEN focuses on nuclear safety and security supervision, while matters related to pharmaceutical product quality fall under the authority of the relevant technical institutions in accordance with applicable regulations.

Regulatory Supervision Support for Export Product Safety

In the afternoon, BAPETEN attended the Ceremonial Release of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) Free Spice Exports to the United States, which was held at Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, and organized by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).

The activity was part of the follow up to the strengthening of requirements imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) on Indonesian spice commodities, including through certification schemes and the issuance of Shipment Specific Certificates (SSC) by BPOM as the recognized authority.

In the context of international trade, several export destination countries impose strict requirements related to food safety, including controls on certain radioactive contaminants. BAPETEN supports these efforts through the implementation of its radiation safety regulatory functions in accordance with its mandate.

"Radiation safety is part of the trust factors in global trade. Supervision is carried out to ensure that the utilization of nuclear energy and the control of radioactive contamination are conducted in compliance with applicable regulations," explained Haendra Subekti.

The export release ceremony involved various ministries and government agencies as a form of inter-agency synergy to safeguard product safety and Indonesia’s reputation in the international market. The event was also attended by BAPETEN’s Director of Technical Support and Nuclear Emergency Preparedness, Judi Pramono, as well as the Coordinator of the Nuclear Technical Support Functional Group, Kusbandono.

Supervision in the Public Interest

The series of regulatory supervision activities in Surabaya reflected BAPETEN’s role in ensuring that the utilization of nuclear energy delivers maximum benefits to the public, both in supporting healthcare services and in maintaining trust in national products in the global market.

Through professional, independent, and collaborative supervision, BAPETEN remains committed to ensuring that every utilization of nuclear energy in Indonesia is carried out in accordance with the principles of safety, security, and environmental protection, in the interest of the public and the nation. [Dep. PKN/ HaendraSubekti/BHKK/SP]