MERANTI ISLANDS – To mitigate the impact of coastal erosion, PT Timah Tbk's Kundur Area Head, together with the Acting Regent of Meranti Islands Asmar, planted thousands of mangroves at Sesai Party Beach, Tanjung Gemuk Village, Rangsang District, Meranti Islands Regency, on Tuesday (January 14, 2025).
Planting 3,000 api-api mangrove species also involved the local community, educating them on the importance of maintaining the mangroves to ensure their proper growth.
Coastal erosion along Sesai Party Beach has reached a critical stage. It is hoped that the presence of mangroves will help reduce the impact of erosion.
Moreover, mangroves provide economic benefits. A well-preserved mangrove ecosystem serves as a habitat for fish, crabs, and shrimp, thus enhancing the catch for local fishermen.
Acting Regent Asmar praised PT Timah for its continued attention to the community and the environment.
“We support this mangrove planting initiative. Hopefully, these mangroves will reduce the impact of coastal erosion and beautify the beach. If the beach becomes attractive, it can also be developed as a tourism destination for the community,” he said.
Asmar also encouraged residents to support PT Timah’s operations, enabling the company to grow and contribute to community welfare.
Rangsang District Head Setu expressed gratitude for PT Timah’s care and support for the residents. He noted that the mangrove forest would have significant environmental and economic benefits for fishermen.
“The mangrove forest will provide a breeding ground for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other marine life, benefiting local fishermen. Additionally, it will reduce the impact of coastal erosion. On behalf of the Rangsang District community, we thank PT Timah for this initiative,” he said.
The mangrove planting event was attended by Acting Regent Asmar, Rangsang District Head Setu, Rangsang Police Chief Ipda Dominikustur, Tanjung Gemuk Village Head Iskandar, Tanjung Gemuk Fishermen’s Association Chair Andi, Eko Yorifaruza, Eka Budhy Susanto, Meranti Islands Public Works and Housing Department Head Fajar Triasmoko, Meranti Regency Public Relations Head Alfian, several local government officials, and community members, including fishermen from Tanjung Gemuk Village.
PT Timah consistently supports and implements sustainable environmental management activities in its operational areas, including mangrove planting. The preservation of mangroves is vital for coastal ecosystem health and long-term benefits. (*)
