BANGKA -- The participants of Minerba Ambassadors Goes to Site 2025 shared their excitement after witnessing firsthand PT TIMAH Tbk’s business processes, environmental management efforts, and community empowerment programs.
During their visit, accompanied by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, students from various universities across Indonesia toured PT TIMAH Tbk’s Production Suction Dredge (KIP) to observe offshore mining operations.
They also visited the Processing and Refinery Division of PT TIMAH Tbk to see the tin smelting process using TSL Ausmelt technology.
For three days in Bangka, from Wednesday to Friday (December 3–5, 2025), the Minerba Ambassadors also visited Air Jangkang Reclamation Village to observe the company’s ongoing sustainable environmental management efforts.
Additionally, they visited PT TIMAH Tbk’s community development programs, including small businesses supported by the company that produce local Bangka food products.
One participant, Gera Nathaniel Lomo, a Geological Engineering student at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta, said his most memorable moment was visiting the KIP offshore in Bangka waters.
“The most memorable part was going offshore and seeing firsthand how the process works from exploration to ore management. It was my first time seeing the entire chain of operations directly,” he said.
Gera admitted that before visiting, he had the same assumptions as many people who believe mining always leads to environmental damage. But after seeing it firsthand, his perspective changed.
“I initially thought PT TIMAH Tbk was only focused on business without considering the ecosystem. But it turns out the company carries out many efforts after mining activities, from reclamation to community empowerment. They genuinely care about the environment and the people,” he explained.
He hopes the public will not judge mining negatively without seeing actual field practices. He also hopes PT TIMAH Tbk continues improving its environmental management and community programs.
“If you think mining is bad or still have doubts, just come to Bangka and see for yourself what PT TIMAH Tbk has done,” he said.
A similar sentiment was shared by Arina, a Business Administration student at Universitas Indonesia. She said the first-day visit to the KIP was unforgettable since it was her first time crossing the sea to see offshore mining operations.
For Arina, the visit to the Air Jangkang reclamation area became a turning point in understanding mining practices.
“PT TIMAH Tbk’s reclamation and other efforts aren’t just for the community; they also care for wildlife. At Air Jangkang Reclamation Village, I saw many protected species being cared for before being released. It was something I never imagined before,” she said.
Arina emphasized that the negative portrayal of mining seen on social media was disproven after witnessing the company’s reclamation programs firsthand.
“Seriously, you should come to Air Jangkang and see it for yourself. You can clearly see how the environment is being restored,” she added.
Both participants also highlighted PT TIMAH Tbk’s support for small businesses. During a visit to one of the company’s seafood-based partners, they observed the various facilities provided, including production equipment and training.
Arina said this support creates major opportunities for business owners.
“I was surprised to see how much assistance the SMEs receive, even including packaging equipment from the government and PT TIMAH. It’s really impressive,” she said.
“I hope PT TIMAH Tbk continues developing more positive programs, and that people in Indonesia realize that mining isn’t always negative,” she added.
The Minerba Ambassadors Goes to Site program serves as a platform for students to witness good mining practices in person. Their impressions are expected to help bridge public understanding so more people can learn the real facts about sustainable mining implemented by PT TIMAH Tbk. (*)
