CENTRAL BANGKA - PT TIMAH Tbk is intensively planting mangroves to protect the marine ecosystem. This time, PT TIMAH Tbk planted mangroves in RT 3, Batu Belubang Village, Pangkalan Baru District, Central Bangka Regency, Monday (7/11/2022).
A total of 3000 mangroves of the Pedada species are planted in this area to resist abrasion. In addition, mangroves also have an important role because they can absorb and store carbon.
The Mangrove Planting was also attended by the Regent of Central Bangka, Alfary Rahman, and the Batu Belitung Village Government, the Head of the Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Lieutenant Colonel (Letkol) Leonardi Hillman and students.
Algafry assessed that it was necessary to plant mangroves, considering that Bangka Island is a coastal area. In addition to planting, he said mangrove rehabilitation also needs to be done because of the erosion of seawater.
“PT TIMAH Tbk is extraordinary in supporting the community to be able to plant mangroves in coastal areas. Today it is held in Batu Be Lubang which we hope will give it a new color. And thank God, many people want to care about the environment," said Algafry.
He hopes that with the more routine mangrove planting activities in the coastal areas in Central Bangka, the greenery will return and the air will be fresher. He also advised the community to take care of what has been planted.
Similarly, the Head of the Marine Security Agency (Bakamla) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Lieutenant Colonel (Letkol) Leonardi Hillman appreciated PT TIMAH TBK's program in environmental conservation.
"Activities like this are very tasty and are closely related to one of the main tasks of Bakamla, because apart from securing and saving there is also something called preserving, such as planting mangroves," said Leo.
Leo hopes that by involving elementary school students in this activity, they can increase their knowledge about environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, the village head of Batu Belubang Ahirman said that the mangrove planting was an effort to preserve the environment in their village. Previously they had mangroves but wanted to add more species.
“This is a gift for us as well as a challenge for us as the government of Batu Be Lubang Village. In the future, with this assistance, we have a responsibility in this regard for maintenance so that it can thrive," he said.
Involve Students in Mangrove Planting
The mangrove planting this time also involved students. One of them is from SD 10 Pangkalan Baru and SMPN 2 Pangkal Baru.
One of the teachers of SDN 10 Pangkalan Baru, Syaftoni said he was proud that they could be involved in this activity. The reason is, with the involvement of the school can add a sense of responsibility to the environment.
“This is the first time we have been involved in an activity like this. We feel it is very important to do something like this with the students, because the involvement of various parties, of course, makes us also become more responsible for environmental sustainability. In addition, we also hope that activities like this can be carried out continuously," he said.
His party was also enthusiastic about participating in this activity because the students were also happy with this activity.
He hopes that activities like this can continue to be carried out and involve schools. To create a sense of love for students toward the environment.
"I think it's very good and hopefully programs like this will continue," he said.
"We hope that PT Timah can continue to carry out activities like this and of course involve residents and school parties and other stakeholders, to teach their love for the environment," said Toni.
Similarly, the Principal of SMPN 2 Pangkalan Baru, Latifa said, if activities like this can be carried out, of course, don't forget to involve students.
“Alhamdulillah, today we can be involved in this planting activity. In addition, we are also very grateful to PT TIMAH Tbk for involving us. With student involvement, we hope to foster student character. So that in the future they can form a better character, one of which is by loving the environment and maintaining environmental sustainability," he said.
"It's been a long time since our students have been involved in activities like this, and the last one was in 2016," he continued.
