BANGKA – To support the activities of fishermen in Bangka Regency who are facing problems caused by the siltation of the Air Kantung estuary channel, PT TIMAH Tbk has provided assistance to the Sungailiat Fishermen and Fish Entrepreneurs Group (KNPIS).
The assistance from PT TIMAH Tbk will be used to construct a suction pontoon for dredging the Air Kantung estuary channel in Bangka Regency. This pontoon will later be used to suction sand that causes siltation at the river mouth.
The Deputy Head of the Sungailiat Fishermen and Fish Entrepreneurs Group, Oman, revealed that the issue of siltation at the Air Kantung estuary has been felt by fishermen for a long time. The increasingly shallow condition of the estuary has made fishermen anxious when entering and exiting the channel, especially during low tide.
According to him, the siltation of the Air Kantung estuary disrupts fishing activities, as fishermen are sometimes unable to enter or leave the estuary. This, in turn, can interfere with the economic activities of the surrounding community.
“Since 2011 we have been facing obstacles due to the shallow estuary. The current condition is indeed quite severe. Usually, when entering the estuary, we have to proceed cautiously and feel anxious. Alhamdulillah, with the assistance from PT TIMAH Tbk, we can finally breathe a little easier,” said Oman.
Oman explained that the assistance from PT TIMAH Tbk will be used to build one unit of a simple pontoon whose working mechanism resembles a cutter suction dredger (CSD) to suction sand. This pontoon will be used for deepening and maintaining the estuary on an ongoing basis.
He added that the pontoon construction process is being carried out collaboratively by fishermen and local workers, so that the issue of siltation can be addressed together.
“We have carried out dredging using an excavator, but it cannot be on standby continuously. With this pontoon, we can carry out deepening and maintenance of the estuary ourselves over the long term,” Oman explained.
According to him, building the pontoon requires a significant amount of funding, so the assistance from PT TIMAH Tbk is very meaningful for them to continue the construction.
“With this pontoon, the navigation channel for fishermen’s boats in the future will be much better. We are optimistic that, although it will be gradual, as long as there is support and a shared spirit, the estuary that serves as our entry and exit route can be properly maintained,” he added.
He expressed his appreciation to PT TIMAH Tbk for consistently supporting the activities of fishermen’s groups, and he hopes that PT TIMAH Tbk will continue to accompany coastal communities through various partnership programs and social initiatives.
“Hopefully PT TIMAH continues to progress, always succeeds, and remains present to help fishermen and the community,” he concluded. (*)
