BANGKA -- To improve fishermen’s catch and help preserve the marine ecosystem, PT Timah collaborated with the Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI) of Bangka Regency to sink hundreds of fish aggregating devices (FADs).
A total of 100 FADs were sunk by PT Timah and HNSI in the waters of Air Kantung, Sungailiat, Bangka Regency on Saturday (3/5/2025). The FAD sinking is part of the “Sustainable Green Sea FAD” program.
The FADs were built directly by local fishermen, as part of PT Timah's efforts to stimulate the coastal community’s economy.
Chairman of HNSI Bangka, Lukman, expressed his appreciation for PT Timah’s efforts to protect the marine ecosystem and improve fishermen's catch through this FAD initiative.
According to Lukman, the program was enthusiastically welcomed by fishermen, as they were involved in every stage—from construction and deployment to the future maintenance of the FADs.
"Alhamdulillah, the fishermen are enthusiastic and grateful, and many have already requested FAD sinking points that we are carrying out together with PT Timah," he said.
Lukman hopes PT Timah will continue this program in other areas, as the presence of FADs makes it easier for fishermen to determine where to fish.
In addition, Lukman also praised PT Timah's commitment to planting mangroves along coastal areas.
“The mangrove planting program in PT Timah’s operational areas is equally important and continues to be carried out to maintain the natural ecosystem. We at HNSI are currently working to establish our own mangrove seedling center so that we can carry out planting activities anytime,” said Lukman.
Meanwhile, PT Timah's Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, stated that the sinking of FADs is a tangible step in PT Timah’s efforts toward sustainable environmental management.
Anggi hopes the FADs will serve as strategic artificial ecosystems to support fish population regeneration in Bangka’s waters.
“We hope these FADs can be deployed in strategic locations and serve as new habitats for marine life, eventually benefiting local fishermen,” he said.
