Bangka Selatan -- The sinking of artificial reefs and fish shelters carried out by PT Timah in its operational areas has brought significant benefits to the community, especially for fishermen in Bangka Selatan Regency.
The thousands of fish shelters deployed by PT Timah have not only helped preserve marine ecosystems but have also positively impacted the incomes of local fishermen.
Between 2021 and 2024, PT Timah has deployed a total of 1,680 fish shelters in Bangka Selatan and Bangka Tengah Regencies. This reflects PT Timah's commitment and efforts to protect and support the recovery of marine ecosystems, particularly in the waters of Tanjung Kubu.
Most recently, PT Timah carried out another deployment of fish shelters in the waters of Tanjung Kubu, Bangka Selatan Regency, on Tuesday, (24/6/2025).
One of the fishermen from Tanjung Kubu, Rispandi (54), expressed his gratitude for PT Timah’s ongoing artificial reef program.
According to him, ever since PT Timah began installing fish shelters in the waters of Tanjung Kubu, his catch has significantly improved even without having to go far out to sea.
"Thank you, PT Timah. Since the fish shelters were deployed, my catch has increased and I no longer need to sail far because many fish gather around the shelters," he said.
Rispandi shared that in the past, they had to travel long distances to find abundant fish, but now, with the fish shelters in place, they can fish closer to shore and still get a good haul.
"Before the fish shelters, even going 5 miles out wouldn't yield much. Now, just 2 miles out, the catch is already pretty good. These shelters really help and have made a difference for us fishermen," he explained.
"We hope PT Timah continues to increase the number of fish shelters in Kubu’s waters so fishermen can enjoy fishing without going too far," he added.
Meanwhile, PT Timah’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, stated that the company has been sinking fish shelters and conducting coral transplantation since 2016 and continues to do so today.
"The sinking of artificial reefs and fish shelters is part of our efforts to preserve marine ecosystems and also to support fishermen by making it easier for them to fish," he said.
Anggi added that artificial reef deployments and coral transplantations are also being carried out in other regencies and are part of PT Timah's ongoing programs.
The sinking of these artificial reefs involved local fishermen and the Indonesian Underwater Sports Association (POSSI) of the Bangka Belitung Province.
