SOUTH BANGKA -- The mining sector is often associated with the exploitation of natural resources. However, in South Bangka, Sudariyanto better known as Awek has proven that mining activities can coexist and even contribute to other sectors such as tourism and fisheries.
Awek successfully developed Awek Fishing and Resto, located in Bencah Village, Air Gegas District, South Bangka Regency, as a natural tourist destination nestled between oil palm plantations and ongoing mining activities.
What was once unproductive ex-mining land and oil palm plantations has now been transformed into a tourist destination featuring a nature-themed restaurant and fishing ponds.
At this destination, visitors can not only relax and enjoy South Bangka's traditional dishes, but also fish, observe thousands of fish of various species, and enjoy the natural atmosphere of the plantation setting. It’s also a perfect spot for family outings or capturing memories in photo-worthy locations—once open-pit mines and oil palm fields.
Not far from the area, visitors can also witness tin mining activities still in operation, showcasing how these two sectors can grow side by side.
To support the development of Awek Fishing and Resto, PT Timah provided assistance to enhance various facilities, enabling the site to expand and welcome more tourists.
Sudariyanto shared that the tourist area he built sits on post-mining land that he initially converted into fishing ponds. Later, he and his wife opened a restaurant offering dishes like lempah kuning, sambal terasi, grilled fish, and a variety of other seafood.
“It started as just a fishing area. The fish ponds were built on ex-mining land that wasn’t too deep. Then I wanted to make the area more shaded, so I planted palm trees a few years ago. From there, it slowly evolved,” he said.
Spanning one hectare, Awek now has several fish ponds of various sizes and fish types, including tilapia, catfish, and others.
“So besides fishing, we offer a relaxed, village-style dining experience. We cook traditional local food without MSG, using fresh ingredients. Visitors can even have their catch cooked here,” he added.
He noted that limited capital had hindered the development of his business, even though market demand was high. He is grateful for PT Timah’s support, which he hopes will allow him to build more gazebos and accommodate more visitors.
“PT Timah’s assistance will be used to build gazebos. That way, we can better accommodate groups. Right now, we’re short on seating, so people have to make reservations at least a day in advance. More visitors would also mean a positive economic impact for the community,” he said.
He started this business as a post-mining alternative to optimize idle land and generate economic benefits.
“There’s a mine in front of the resto, and this place was built using income from mining. When we opened the restaurant in 2022, the mine was still active. I reinvested mining income into this business. If mining is done properly and in the right place, it can coexist with other sectors. I have fish ponds, and there’s a mine right in front—it can all work together if done right,” he explained.
He added that the mining activity near his resto and fishing ponds operates under PT Timah’s mining permit (IUP), which ensures oversight and minimizes environmental impact.
“It’s easier when PT Timah is doing the mining because they supervise the operations. The problem is illegal mining—those operators dig in upstream areas that aren’t designated mining zones, which disrupts other sectors,” he said.
Going forward, he hopes PT Timah will continue supporting small-scale miners so they can adopt responsible mining practices and use post-mining land for other sectors like fisheries and tourism.
“Hopefully PT Timah continues to thrive and can support more small miners. Their CSR has helped in many areas, and the benefits are felt by the community,” he said.
For those curious to visit Awek Fishing and Resto, you can head straight to Bencah Village, South Bangka Regency, or make a reservation via Awek Fishing’s social media.
This tourist spot stands as real proof that post-mining land doesn’t have to remain idle. With creativity and a commitment to sustainability, such areas can be transformed into recreational spaces that blend with nature and offer added value for the surrounding community.
