PANGKALPINANG -- Preserving biodiversity remains one of PT TIMAH Tbk's key environmental priorities through a variety of sustainability initiatives. One of these efforts is supporting research on endemic fish species in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province to help preserve local biodiversity while strengthening long-term conservation efforts.
The support was provided to a research team from the Faculty of Agriculture at Muhammadiyah University of Palembang (UM Palembang), which is conducting a study titled "Revealing Whole-Genome Biodiversity and Developing Ex-situ Conservation of Endemic Fish Resources in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province for Sustainable Preservation."
Now in its fourth year, the research is being carried out in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation (The Tanggokers).
The lead researcher and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Muhammadiyah University of Palembang, Dr. Helmizuryani, S.Pi., M.Si., said PT TIMAH's support has played an important role in ensuring the research progresses smoothly, particularly by facilitating fieldwork for the research team.
"Alhamdulillah, PT TIMAH has provided support for this research, allowing the project to proceed smoothly," she said.
According to Helmizuryani, over the past four years the research team has produced numerous scientific achievements, including publications in internationally recognized journals ranked from Q1 to Q4, as well as two books on Bangka's endemic fish species.
The current phase of the research focuses on the domestication and breeding of Betta burdigala, one of Bangka's endemic fish species whose population is becoming increasingly threatened.
Through this study, the researchers aim to identify the most effective breeding methods using hormone stimulation so that captive-bred fish can eventually be used to support restocking programs in their natural habitats.
"If this research is successful, the results can be applied to restocking programs, helping restore the population of this endemic fish species," she said.
Helmizuryani explained that research findings indicate there are approximately 86 Betta species worldwide, with 49 of them found in Indonesia. The Bangka Belitung Islands are home to several endemic species that possess significant ecological and economic value.
However, these fish are now facing serious threats due to habitat degradation, land conversion for plantation development, and environmental pollution.
"If conservation efforts are not carried out now, it is only a matter of time before these endemic fish become extinct. We greatly appreciate PT TIMAH for taking the initiative to support this research," she emphasized.
She added that Betta burdigala is a species found exclusively on Bangka Island and is considered the ancestral species of several other Betta varieties.
Echoing that view, Boby Muslimin, a researcher at BRIN's Center for Applied Zoological Research, said that Betta burdigala has been classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
"This species is already in the critically endangered category, making collaborative conservation efforts essential through habitat protection, both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, as well as the development of captive breeding programs," Boby explained.
Boby also believes that successful domestication could support PT TIMAH's land reclamation programs, particularly by enabling restocking efforts in former mining areas that provide suitable habitats.
However, he emphasized that any release sites must match the species' natural habitat characteristics. Since Betta burdigala naturally inhabits shallow peat swamps, it would be more appropriate to reintroduce the fish into rehabilitated wetland areas along the edges of reclaimed former mining pits.
"We appreciate PT TIMAH's strong commitment to environmental issues, especially the conservation of endemic fish. These species are an important part of local communities, cultural heritage, and the broader ecosystem. Therefore, collaborative efforts are needed to protect and conserve them through both in-situ and ex-situ approaches, and PT TIMAH has taken the first step in making that happen," he concluded.
Previously, PT TIMAH also collaborated with the Bangka Belitung Endemic Fish Foundation (The Tanggokers) to support research and the publication of the book Biodiversity of Tempalak Fish (Wild Betta) Endemic to Bangka Island. (*)
