WEST BANGKA -- Fishermen in Tempilang Sub-district looked enthusiastic when they witnessed the symbolic handover of FADs from PT Timah Tbk to the Deputy Regent of West Bangka Bong Ming Ming at Selepuk Beach, Tempilang District, Tuesday (28/09/2021).
A total of 55 FADs that were handed over were FADs made by fishermen and assisted by several craftsmen. The pyramid-shaped FAD will be sunk into the sea which will later become a fish house.
"Technically, we don't understand how to make FADs, so we collaborated with several artisans in making them and Alhamdulillah from here we can learn to make FADs," said the head of the Bintang Laut fishing group, Masdianto or who is familiarly called Baidi.
FADs - these FADs will be sunk at four points which are about 1 to 2 miles scattered in the Tempilang sea area.
PT Timah Tbk cooperated with several groups of fishermen in sinking FADs such as the Sea Star Fishermen, Batu Putih Fishermen, Trisa Indah Fishermen, Ketapang Fishermen, and Benteng Kota and Tanjung Niur Fishermen.
Baidi hopes that in the future these FADs will be used by fishermen groups in Tempilang District and the Tempilang community so that they can increase fishermen's catches.
“Hopefully PT Timah can always synergize with the community, especially serving. And can add more FADs in the Tempilang sea, "he hoped.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of the Tanjung Niur Fishermen's Group, Romidan, hopes that the drowning distance of this FAD is not too far from the shore, in order to make it easier for fishermen to find fish and also reduce operational costs and the risk of going out to sea.
"If possible, don't be far away, so that we can look for the fish near here," he said.
In the same vein, the Fisheries Extension Officer of West Bangka Regency, Andi, said that the cooperation between fishermen and PT Timah was very good.
"We hope that this activity can certainly improve the marine ecosystem so that fish can breed in this FAD sinking location. At the age of six to eight months this FAD can only be used by fishermen, hopefully with this FAD it can increase fishermen's catches," he said.
In addition, Andi also hopes that PT Timah Tbk can always support the community around the fishermen by providing assistance with fishing gear and so on as well as sustainable programs.
Deputy Regent of West Bangka Bong Ming Ming also appreciated PT Timah Tbk for often helping their community, including fishermen.
"Thanks to PT Timah who has done for our community, especially the fishermen community, in this case one of which is the sinking of FADs. We hope that activities like this will not only be carried out by PT Timah Tbk, but can also be carried out by similar mining companies," said Bong Ming Ming.
"So far, only PT Timah we have seen tangible evidence in the form of CSR and reclamation that was carried out for us in West Bangka," he continued.
He hopes that in the future the FADs that have been drowned can be maximized and of course have value for the community.
"Hopefully in the future PT Timah will be better, more victorious and become the strongest BUMN in Indonesia," concluded Bong Ming Ming.
The sinking of FADs was also attended by the Deputy Regent of West Bangka, Bong Ming Ming, General Manager of PT Timah Tbk for the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Robert, fishermen and the surrounding community. (**)
