KUNDUR – To protect the coastal ecosystem, PT Timah Tbk, in collaboration with the local community, planted 2,500 mangrove trees at Batu Kucing Beach in Gemuruh Village, Kundur Barat District, on Wednesday (4/12/2024).
The mangroves, comprising species such as bakau and api-api, were planted on a half-hectare area to mitigate the impact of coastal abrasion, which has become increasingly critical along the shoreline.
The event was attended by PT Timah’s Division Head of HSE and Sustainability, Ruddy Nursalam, employees from the Kundur Area, and local community members, highlighting a collective effort to preserve the coastal ecosystem.
PT Timah routinely plants mangroves in its operational areas, including the Riau Islands Province and Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
Idris, Chairman of the Gemuruh Village Fishermen Association, expressed his appreciation for PT Timah’s initiative to plant mangroves in their area.
“We fully support mangrove planting activities like this. In the future, these mangrove forests will benefit the environment and fishermen,” he said.
Idris emphasized that mangrove forests provide breeding grounds for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other marine life, directly benefiting local fishermen. Additionally, the mangroves help reduce coastal abrasion.
“On behalf of the fishermen in Gemuruh Village, I am grateful to PT Timah,” he added.
Similarly, Ari Supriyadi, Head of Gemuruh Village, extended his appreciation to PT Timah Tbk for its active role in supporting the development of Gemuruh Village across various aspects, ensuring that the company’s presence positively impacts the community.
“This mangrove planting initiative brings many benefits. If we don’t experience it now, our children will in the future. I strongly support this mangrove planting program by PT Timah, and I hope the company continues to prosper and contribute to communities near its operational areas,” he said.
Anggi Siahaan, Department Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah Tbk, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable environmental management as part of its business operations.
“Efforts to manage the environment include preserving coastal ecosystems through mangrove planting, deploying artificial reefs, and creating coral gardens,” Anggi said.
She highlighted that PT Timah consistently collaborates with local communities and regional governments in these environmental management efforts, particularly through sustainable mangrove planting in its operational areas.
Anggi also hopes that the planted mangroves will be maintained collectively so they can provide economic benefits to the surrounding community in the future.
The mangrove planting event was attended by Kundur Area Head Wiyono, Christina Ida Romauli (Department Head of Environment, Reclamation, and Post-Mining), Riri Ferdian (Head of HSE), Village Head Ari Supriyadi, Gemuruh Village Youth Leader Azmi, Fishermen’s Association Chairman Idris, local community leaders, and PT Timah employees from the Kundur Area. (*)
