BANGKA SELATAN -- As part of its commitment to education and environmental preservation, PT Timah Tbk supported a coastal ecosystem practicum conducted by students from Muhammadiyah University of Bangka Belitung, held on Kelapan Island, Bangka Selatan Regency.
Dozens of students from Muhammadiyah University of Bangka Belitung carried out observations and data collection in coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.
Sujadi Priyansah, Head of the Natural Resource Conservation Study Program at the university, stated that the purpose of the practicum was not only for students to understand theory, but also to directly experience the biodiversity and challenges faced by the natural environment.
“We want students to realize that protecting the environment isn’t just about theory. We want them to physically experience what a coastal ecosystem is like touching coral reefs and observing the animals and plants found there,” he said.
Kelapan Island was chosen as the location due to its relatively well-preserved ecological condition. The beauty of its coral reefs, vast seagrass beds, and easy access to mangrove areas make the island an ideal place for hands-on learning.
Additionally, the calm atmosphere of the island, far from the noise of the city, helped students focus better on observing and understanding the ecosystem as a whole.
During the practicum, participants went snorkeling to observe coral reefs, measured seagrass coverage, recorded the presence of marine life, and identified endemic flora and fauna around the island. They also participated in group discussions and presented analysis of the data they collected during the practicum.
PT Timah Tbk provided tangible support for this activity by supplying transportation and logistics for the fieldwork.
Sujadi expressed his appreciation to PT Timah for supporting the students’ practicum activities.
“We truly appreciate PT Timah’s role. This is not just about technical support, but it also shows that industry can collaborate with education for the sake of environmental sustainability,” he said.
This practicum also served as a platform to learn values such as teamwork, leadership, and environmental awareness. Students not only learned how to collect data and observe nature, but also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation for the future. By witnessing field conditions firsthand, students are expected to become part of a generation that cares and actively works to protect the environment.
