BANGKA -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues its efforts to protect coastal ecosystems while supporting the sustainability of local fishing communities’ livelihoods. One such initiative is the deployment of squid attractors across the Company’s operational areas.
In collaboration with the Bangka Regency Branch of the Indonesian Fishermen Association (DPC HNSI), PT TIMAH once again deployed 81 squid attractors in the waters off Tambak Udang Beach, Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).
Held in conjunction with World Habitat Day, the activity also involved local government officials and fishermen. The deployment of squid attractors is expected to provide shelter and spawning grounds for squid while supporting the development of habitats for other marine life.
Head of the Bangka Regency Environmental Agency, Boy Yandra, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between PT TIMAH and HNSI in supporting the sustainability of marine ecosystems. According to him, deploying attractors can serve as one way to provide suitable habitats for squid in coastal waters.
“We appreciate the collaboration between HNSI Bangka and PT TIMAH, as this is one of HNSI’s efforts to provide a suitable habitat for squid through the deployment of squid attractors,” Boy Yandra said.
He added that the location selected for the attractors at Tambak Udang Beach is considered highly suitable and was determined through a scientific study conducted in collaboration with Bangka Belitung University (UBB) to help ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, Jelitik Subdistrict Head Sri Juniarti said that the squid attractors not only benefit the environment but can also help fishermen reduce their operating costs.
“Hopefully, with this initiative, our squid fishermen will no longer need to travel far out to sea, allowing them to reduce operating costs while helping preserve marine ecosystems,” she said.
Chairman of the Bangka Regency DPC HNSI, Lukman, explained that the use of artificial attractors is part of an effort to bring productive fishing grounds closer to local fishermen. Previously, fishermen had to travel more than a dozen miles offshore to find promising fishing areas.
“Natural habitats do exist, but they are located far offshore. We are trying to create artificial attractors closer to shore so fishermen can travel shorter distances and save on fuel costs,” he explained.
For fishermen, the presence of attractors in coastal waters provides tangible benefits. Ifandi, a fisherman from Tambak Udang Beach, said that previously deployed attractors have helped support local fishing activities.
“It would be even better if more could be added so that the benefits can be greater. They have been very beneficial, thank God,” he said.
PT TIMAH Division Head of Corporate Secretary Ruddy Nursalam said the squid attractor deployment is part of the Company’s efforts to protect coastal ecosystems while supporting the economic sustainability of fishing communities.
According to him, the attractors are expected to contribute to marine habitats and help increase the potential of fisheries resources in surrounding waters.
“The deployment of these attractors is part of PT TIMAH’s efforts to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. We hope they can support marine habitats and enhance the potential of fisheries resources, ultimately providing benefits to local fishing communities,” Ruddy said.
PT TIMAH has implemented similar programs in several of the Company’s operational areas. The previous week, a squid attractor deployment was also carried out in the Belitung area.
Ruddy added that protecting coastal environments requires collaboration among companies, government agencies, fishermen, and local communities. Therefore, PT TIMAH continues to promote initiatives that enable environmental conservation and community empowerment to advance hand in hand. (*)
