Summary: Indonesia’s three research reactors (RSG-GAS in Serpong, TRIGA2000 in Bandung, and the Kartini reactor in Yogyakarta) play a critical role in advancing nuclear research but also pose significant risks, including the release of radioactive materials due to accidents or natural disasters. Despite these risks, preparedness and response mechanisms for nuclear emergencies, particularly in healthcare settings, remain underexplored compared to the country’s established natural disaster management systems. This field report evaluates the multidisciplinary approach to nuclear disaster preparedness in Indonesia, focusing on the implementation of radiation accident simulation. The Indonesian Ministry of Health coordinated the radiation emergency simulation. It involved key stakeholders, including three National Nuclear Disaster Referral Hospitals (RSUP Fatmawati, RSUP Hasan Sadikin, and RSUP Dr. Sardjito), the Indonesian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Public Safety Center 119, and professional organizations. The simulation integrated theoretical and practical components, effectively enhancing participants’ understanding of nuclear emergency management and response. Simulations included pre-hospital treatment at accident sites, ambulance transportation, decontamination procedures, and the preparation of hospital emergency departments. The expert observers evaluated the simulations, but standardized evaluation tools need to be developed. The limited availability of radiation detection devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) was identified as a gap in the infrastructure. There is a need to include BNPB in the simulation, as it is the government agency designated for coordinating disaster management activities in Indonesia. Multidisciplinary radiation emergency simulations are essential for effectively responding to nuclear emergencies, particularly in medical emergency preparedness and response. While the drills improved knowledge and operational coordination, developing standardized evaluation tools and addressing infrastructure gaps and resource allocation are critical next steps for optimizing preparedness.
Kosim et al. (Sun,) studied this question.