WEST BANGKA -- PT Timah Tbk supports the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Research conducted by the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation The Tanggokers together with Airlangga University, Leeds University, and Bangka Belitung University.
PT Timah Tbk supports this activity as an effort to conserve and educate endemic fish in Bangka Belitung so they don't become extinct and can be preserved by the local community.
Previously, PT Timah Tbk had also supported the improvement of facilities and infrastructure at the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation The Tanggokers to carry out conservation and education efforts about endemic fish.
Research on this endemic fish was carried out on the islands of Bangka and Belitung which examined the diversity of aquatic ichthyofauna Bargain Endemic to the Bangka Belitung Island on 13-22 August 2023. One of the research points is in Tugang Village, Kelapa District, West Bangka Regency.
The Research Team consisting of Dr. Veryl Hasan (Airlangga University), Dr. Josie South (Leeds University of England), Vitri Sil Valen S.Pi M.P (Bangka Belitung University), Swarlanda (Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation), Ari Sabri (Bangka Belitung Endemic Foundation), Destra Ramadhanu (UBB Student), Raihan Aliefani Alfian (UBB Student)
Dr. Veryl Hasan from the Faculty of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs at Airlangga University said that endemic fish in Bangka are well known abroad and are of interest to the public.
"Actually, fish that are endemic to Bangka are well known abroad. Apart from being good, they also have a uniqueness that only exists in Bangka, which makes people interested in Bangka.
One example that is currently on the rise is the Wild Betta Burdigala Fish (red palm)," he said.
Furthermore, he said that after Covid-19 had subsided, the demand for Bangka ornamental fish was increasing. This caused many people from abroad to come looking for fish.
"The problem is they come illegally. If it continues to be done, it's called theft," he said.
For this reason, he invites the community to preserve and cultivate it. So that it can take advantage of the potential that exists in the Village and provide an economic impact on the community.
"Because this fish is in Tugang Village, the community can preserve and utilize the village's potential. It can be used as a logo or icon for Tugang village," he said.
Meanwhile, dr. Josie South from Leeds The University of England said that the role of the community is needed so that endemic fish do not become extinct. According to him, the price of endemic fish is beyond priceless.
"I am very enthusiastic about participating in this research. The price of endemic fish cannot be assessed, especially if they are already extinct. Community participation is needed to protect these fish from extinction," he said.
Village Head Tugang Haryanto said he was proud that his village was one of the research points of the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation
"It is an honor for our village to become a research point for the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation. Hopefully, our village will progress further and be known both inside and outside the country for its potential, including this endemic fish," he said.
His party is trying to maintain the endemic fish ecosystem in his village so that it does not become extinct and will become an icon for his village.
"To protect this endemic fish from becoming extinct from the village, the Village Government will issue a Village Regulation (Perdes) and will make the Wild Betta burdigala (red long-stemmed) fish the Tugang village icon," he concluded. (*)
