BANGKA TENGAH -- PT TIMAH Tbk has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainable post-mining environmental management by releasing native Bangka Belitung fish species and freshwater fish into former mining ponds.
This activity is part of the company’s effort to optimize the use of ex-mining ponds so that they hold both economic and ecological value for surrounding communities.
After releasing fish fry into a former mining pond in the Pemali area of Bangka Regency last week, the member of Indonesia Mining Industry Holding (MIND ID) continued the initiative by releasing fish fry into a pond at the Ibnu Sabil Islamic Boarding School in Cambai Village, Central Bangka Regency, on Friday (October 31, 2025).
In addition to supporting the local economy, PT TIMAH Tbk is also working to conserve native fish species of Bangka Belitung. As part of its commitment to preserving aquatic biodiversity, the company released several endemic fish species during this activity.
Thousands of native fish fry were released, including baong, tebelang, mudfish, belido, lais, betok, sepat, tempalak budu, seluang, klencah, tepala pinang, nilem, beta burdigala, and other freshwater fish such as tilapia, which were placed in separate ponds.
The types of fish released were selected based on the needs and habits of the local community. This way, residents can take advantage of the pond’s potential to improve their welfare through fishing or fish farming activities.
The Head of the Ibnu Sabil Islamic Boarding School, Rizal, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fish release. According to him, most of the students at the school come from underprivileged families, making this activity highly beneficial for them.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful. Most of the students here come from families with limited financial means. With the release of these fish fry, God willing, it can help meet the students’ daily food needs,” said Rizal.
He explained that the pond in the school’s area had not been fully utilized due to the low number of fish. It was usually used for ablution and afternoon activities for the students.
“There weren’t many people fishing because there weren’t many fish. So, we’re very happy with this activity. Hopefully, it will continue because it brings positive impacts to the community,” he added.
Meanwhile, PPS Alobi Manager, Endi R. Yusuf, explained that the fish release was part of a sustainable effort to restore the ecological function of former mining ponds, making them productive again and natural habitats for aquatic life.
“Today, we released more than a thousand endemic Bangka fish into this pond at the boarding school. We hope these fish can reproduce and become part of a new ecosystem in the pond,” said Endi.
He added that such activities are important to continue in order to maintain ecological balance and promote the productive use of post-mining land.
“Collaborations like this between PT TIMAH Tbk and other parties must continue. The goal is to ensure post-mining land is not left idle but instead transformed into an ecosystem that is useful and provides added value for surrounding communities,” he said.
Through this fish release activity, PT TIMAH Tbk continues to demonstrate its commitment to optimizing former mining ponds, preserving the environment, and empowering communities around its operational areas.
