PANGKALPINANG – PT Timah Tbk reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education and fostering cross-sector collaboration by fully supporting the 10th Annual National Meeting (TNT X) and 8th Course Workshop (WMK VIII) of Forkopindo 2024. The event, held in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Province, from November 24-26, brought together over 150 participants, including students, lecturers, and mining practitioners from universities across Indonesia.
Organized by the Forum of Communication for Mining Engineering Programs Across Indonesia (Forkopindo) in collaboration with Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB), the forum adopted the theme "Mining Based on Good Mining Practices," aligning with efforts to enhance the quality of mining in Indonesia through sustainable and environmentally friendly principles.
Professor Dr. Eng. Syafrizal, S.T., M.T., Chairperson of Forkopindo, highlighted Forkopindo's role since 2013 as a platform for discussion and collaboration among mining engineering programs in Indonesia. He praised PT Timah for its consistent support.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, especially PT Timah, which has supported this event not only through funding, facilities, and access to mining sites but also by enriching participants' knowledge through practical field experiences,” said Syafrizal.
Participants also visited PT Timah’s primary and alluvial tin mines, as well as the Metallurgy and Smelting Unit in Muntok, where they observed operations such as production dredging.
“This activity provided invaluable insights for students, lecturers, and mining practitioners into the complexities of tin mining operations, particularly in applying good mining practices,” he added.
PT Timah’s President Director, Ahmad Dani Virsal, stated that the company’s support for this event reflects its responsibility to enhance human resources in the mining sector.
“We strongly support forums that bring together academia, industry, and government. This event serves as an opportunity to discuss, share knowledge, and develop solutions to challenges in the mining sector, including implementing sustainable mining,” he explained.
He emphasized PT Timah’s focus on post-mining management and technology development, expressing hope that the discussions would enrich university curricula and produce graduates equipped to face global challenges in the mining industry.
Professor Dr. Ibrahim Esvil, M.Si., Rector of Universitas Bangka Belitung, identified key issues in mining, including regulations, operations, environmental management, capitalization, and community development post-mining.
“Discussions at this event should pave the way for sustainable solutions in the mining sector and foster synergy between academia, industry, and government,” he said.
He commended PT Timah as a strategic partner, acknowledging its contributions to UBB’s infrastructure and research development.
“Our campus facilities, including buildings and laboratories, have greatly benefited from PT Timah’s support. We hope this partnership continues to enhance education and research,” he added.
Kurniawan, Acting Head of the Bangka Belitung Province Energy and Mineral Resources Office, emphasized the importance of good mining practices to ensure economic, social, and environmental balance in mining operations.
“Young professionals and mining practitioners must embrace technology to increase efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve community welfare,” he remarked.
Dr. Ing. Triwirnardo, S.T., M.T., Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, noted that Indonesia's mining and quarrying sector contributed IDR 2,168 trillion or 10.5% of the national GDP in 2023.
“This sector also provided IDR 172.6 trillion in non-tax state revenue (PNBP), demonstrating its significant economic impact,” he stated.
He underscored the sector's challenges related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and urged adherence to strict technical and environmental regulations.
Event Chair Hasley Oktarianty, S.T., M.T., expressed hope for sustainable collaboration between universities, local governments, and industries, particularly with PT Timah.
“We believe this synergy can drive progress in Indonesia’s mining sector, not only operationally but also in environmental management and community empowerment post-mining,” she concluded.
Participants included representatives from 28 leading universities in Indonesia, such as ITB, UPN Veteran Yogyakarta, Universitas Hasanuddin, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, and Universitas Papua, underscoring TNT and WMK’s national recognition as a platform for collaboration. (*)
