BANGKA BELITUNG -- The Province of Bangka Belitung Islands, known as the largest tin producer in Indonesia, is now facing serious environmental challenges due to rampant illegal tin mining.
Illegal tin mining not only damages the environment, but also threatens the survival of endemic animals and triggers conflicts between humans and wildlife, especially crocodiles.
Illegal tin mining often operates without regard to sustainability. Logging of forests, dredging of rivers, causes degradation of natural habitats for wildlife.
Mangrove forests and coastal areas that serve as breeding grounds for estuarine crocodiles are shrinking, forcing them to seek new habitats that often lead to interactions with humans.
Conflicts between crocodiles and humans in Bangka Belitung have even claimed victims, with dozens of cases recorded in 2024.
Apart from crocodiles, other species such as tarsiers are also affected. The loss of vegetation cover reduces food sources and shelter, disrupts food chains and destroys the balance of ecosystems that have formed naturally.
PPS Alobi Air Jangkang Manager Endy R. Yusuf said, Animal ecosystems are disrupted due to massive illegal tin mining activities, it is not surprising that Babel's endemic animals are disturbed and forced to find new habitats, which sometimes coincide with the location of human activities.
These changes create a safety threat to the community while putting crocodiles at risk of being killed due to defensive actions by residents.
“Ecosystems disturbed by illegal mining cause these animals to seek new habitats. These new habitats sometimes intersect with human places, people often say there used to be no crocodiles there but now there are crocodiles. This is because the habitat is disturbed,” said Endy.
This conflict is clear evidence that the destruction of natural habitats is pushing wildlife closer to humans. Endy said that they often rescue crocodiles caught by citizens to be brought to PPS Alobi Air Jangkang. However, there is no solution to this problem, and they have limited space to accommodate the crocodiles. Even though crocodiles are one of the protected animals.
According to Endy, Bangka Belitung still needs the mining sector to drive the community's economy, but mining must be carried out using the principles of good mining practice (GMP), carrying out land recovery, reclaiming ex-mining land.
“Mining must be done with an environmental perspective, applying the principles of good mining practice, carrying out conservation and also carrying out reclamation functions so that the ecosystem can be maintained,” he said.
To overcome this problem, synergy between the government, mining companies and communities is needed. Law enforcement against illegal mining must be tightened, accompanied by land rehabilitation and river ecosystem restoration programs.
“Wildlife conservation efforts also need to be improved, for example by establishing new conservation areas and educating the public about the importance of maintaining the balance of nature,” he said.
Legal mining companies, such as PT Timah, he said can be an example in implementing sustainable mining practices and contributing to environmental conservation. The company's active involvement in replanting programs, animal rescue, and environmental education will be an important step to repair damaged ecosystems.
Furthermore, Endy said that a maintained environmental ecosystem is the foundation of sustainability for the people and wildlife of Bangka Belitung.
“Restoring damaged ecosystems takes time and great effort, but with strong collaboration, nature can return to balance. Stopping illegal mining and prioritizing conservation is not only about protecting animals, but also ensuring that future generations can coexist with the natural wealth that is Bangka Belitung's identity,” Endy concluded. (*)
