WEST BANGKA -- A lush, green atmosphere surrounds the Tirta Budaya Park at Mentok Urban Forest in West Bangka Regency, where tall trees tower over the conservation area. A variety of flora and fauna thrive in this preserved environment.
Mentok Urban Forest is a green open space managed by PT Timah as part of its sustainable environmental management efforts. This area serves as a natural habitat for various endemic species of flora and fauna.
The management of Mentok Urban Forest is one of the company’s commitments to environmental conservation. This initiative aims not only to preserve nature but also to protect the existence of endemic species found in the region.
Covering an area of 5.6 hectares, the forest is home to numerous native plants and animals from Bangka Island, including several endemic bird species and trees with high ecological value.
Based on monitoring in 2024, the forest is home to various plant species such as laban (Vitex pinnata), medang (Litsea elliptica), pelempang (Adinandra dumosa), gaharu (Alstonia scholaris), ketapang (Terminalia catappa), small-leaved acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), and red pelawan (Tristaniopsis merguensis), totaling 100 individual trees.
Meanwhile, there are 21 species of fauna recorded in the Mentok Urban Forest, including the brown-throated sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis), olive-backed sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis), brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), striated heron (Butorides striata), pacific swallow (Hirundo tahitica), blue-throated bee-eater (Merops viridis), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), red woodpecker (1 individual), greater coucal, Sundadanio gargula, Parosphromenus juelinae, Paedocypris sp, Betta schallerii, Betta chloropharyx, Encheloclarias tapeinopterus, Eirmotus sp, and Betta sp.
By protecting these flora and fauna, PT Timah plays an active role in maintaining the local ecosystem’s balance.
“PT Timah is committed to sustainable environmental management, which includes preserving local biodiversity and providing environmental education to the public,” said Anggi Siahaan, Department Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah.
Hutan Kota Mentok is also used as an educational site for students to learn firsthand about the importance of preserving nature through visits to the area.
PT Timah continues to monitor and maintain the forest area, including planting endemic trees, controlling invasive species, and providing supporting facilities such as interpretive trails and educational information boards.
“Protecting the environment is not just a responsibility, but a long-term investment for future generations. Mentok Urban Forest is one of the company’s concrete steps toward achieving this,” he added.
Through the existence of Mentok Urban Forest, PT Timah hopes to raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation while strengthening the company’s role in supporting sustainable development in its operational areas.
