Summary

Regulation of the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency [Peraturan Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir (BAPETEN)] Number 2 of 2025 on Radiation Safety in the Use of Ionizing Radiation Sources for Gauging Equipment (“BAPETEN Regulation 2/2025”) was issued and took effect on its date of promulgation on October 10, 2025.

The main objective of this regulation is to establish a comprehensive supervisory framework and radiation safety requirements for any party utilizing ionizing radiation sources in gauging equipment.

This regulation serves as an implementing measure of Government Regulation [Peraturan Pemerintah] Number 45 of 2023, to ensure that the utilization of nuclear technology in this industrial sector is protected from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, under both normal and emergency operating conditions.

Background and Context

The issuance of this BAPETEN Regulation is based on the need to create safety standards in the supervision of nuclear energy utilization, specifically for the application of measurement or gauging equipment in industry. As stated in the preamble (considerations) section, this regulation specifically aims to implement the mandate of Article 33 and Article 66 paragraph (5) of Government Regulation Number 45 of 2023 on Ionizing Radiation Safety and Radioactive Substance Security.

This reflects the need to update and clarify existing safety norms to align with the development of higher-level legislation, as well as to address the challenges and risks that may arise from the use of ionizing radiation sources in a dynamic industrial work environment.

Comparison with the Previous Regulation

BAPETEN Regulation 2/2025 revokes and declares invalid the Regulation of the Head of BAPETEN [Peraturan Kepala BAPETEN] Number 6 of 2009 on Radiation Safety in the Use of Radioactive Substances and X-Ray Equipment for Gauging Equipment (“Head of BAPETEN Regulation 6/2009”).

A comparative analysis between the two regulations shows a significant strengthening, delegation, and addition of norms in the new regulation to enhance overall safety standards. The new regulation shifts from a category-based approach (high/low activity) to a more integrated and modern safety management framework.

Key Provisions

Annex I: Radiation Signage

This annex establishes the visual and technical standards for the radiation hazard sign (trefoil symbol) that must be installed on all gauging equipment and radioactive source storage areas. Its provisions include:

1. Shape and Color: The symbol shall resemble a three-bladed propeller, colored black or red, with a yellow background.

2. Wording: Must include the words "AWAS BAHAYA RADIASI" (CAUTION RADIATION HAZARD) in black or red block letters below the symbol.

3. Visibility: The sign must be clearly visible and identifiable from a distance of at least 1 meter.

4. Placement: The sign must be permanently affixed to the relevant equipment or location.

Annex II: Format and Content of the Radiation Protection and Safety Program (PPKR)

This annex specifies the structure and content of the PPKR document that the License Holder must possess. This document shall consist of 11 chapters, namely:

1. Introduction: Contains company profile, background, objectives, scope, and legal basis.

2. Radiation Safety Management: Outlines the safety organizer's organizational structure, personnel duties and responsibilities, training programs, quality assurance, list of procedures, and recording and reporting systems.

3. Safety Assessment Report: Contains an in-depth analysis and evaluation of potential risks and system failures.

4. Establishment of Dose Constraints: Explains the methods for establishing and reviewing dose constraints for workers, with technical guidance based on the facility's operational period.

5. Facilities and Ionizing Radiation Sources: Describes the type, quantity, and specifications of the radiation sources used and the design of storage and operational facilities.

6. Work Area Zoning: Explains the design of area division into controlled areas and supervised areas, complete with exposure rates and signage placement.

7. Monitoring of Radiation Exposure in Work Areas: Details the plan, procedures, and equipment used to monitor radiation levels in the work environment.

8. Worker Monitoring: Outlines the personal dose monitoring program and periodic health monitoring program for radiation workers.

9. Public Exposure Monitoring: Explains the plan for monitoring radiation outside the work area and radioactive waste management procedures.

10. Radiation Protection Equipment and Calibration Program: Lists all protection equipment used (dosimeters, survey meters, PPE) and the calibration schedule for measuring instruments.

11. Radiation Emergency Program: Outlines potential types of emergencies, response plans, reporting procedures, and emergency training programs.

Annex III: Calculation of Radiation Shielding for Neutron Radiation Sources

This annex provides technical guidance for facilities using neutron radiation sources. It provides two mathematical formulas for calculating adequate shielding (radiation barrier) thickness:

1. For AmBe-241 Sources: Uses the removal cross-section concept.

2. For Neutron Generators: Uses a formula involving variables such as neutron flux, distance, and dose factors.

This annex also includes a table containing constant values (relaxation length, correction factors, and dose factors) for various shielding materials such as concrete, paraffin, and water, which are required for the calculations.

Annex IV: Nuclear Emergency Response Reporting Form

This annex provides the standard form format that must be completed and submitted by the License Holder to BAPETEN as a written report after a radiation accident occurs. This form is designed to collect crucial information quickly and in a structured manner, covering:

1. Identity of the reporter and institution.
2. Time and location of the incident.
3. Brief description of the incident.
4. Data of the radiation source involved (isotope type, activity).
5. Data on radiation exposure and measured contamination levels.
6. Number of victims (if any).
7. Response actions that have been taken.
8. Assistance expected from BAPETEN.

Annex V: Declaration of the End of the Emergency Condition

This annex contains the official letter format that must be created by the License Holder to declare that an emergency condition has been successfully handled and is declared over. This letter is addressed to the Head of BAPETEN and must contain:

1. Reference to the initial emergency report.
2. A brief explanation of the response actions taken.
3. Justification for why the emergency condition is declared to have ended.
4. A formal statement that "the emergency incident condition as described above is declared COMPLETE".

Conclusion

BAPETEN Regulation 2/2025 governs the supervision of nuclear energy utilization in Indonesia, particularly for the industrial sector using gauging equipment.

The approach used is the implementation of a radiation safety management system that is more structured, documented, and routinely verified. Three key points to note:

1. The obligation to prepare and update the Radiation Protection and Safety Program Document according to a more detailed standard format;

2. The requirement to proactively establish, monitor, and review Dose Constraints for workers with clear guidance; and

3. The affirmation of the License Holder's legal responsibility, which cannot be delegated, even if operational tasks can be assigned.
   This regulation encourages the creation of a stronger safety culture, where risk identification, prevention, and emergency preparedness become an integral part of all operational activities.