PANGKALPINANG -- Preserving coastal ecosystems requires sustained efforts that focus not only on restoring marine environments but also on maintaining fisheries resources and supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Through various marine reclamation and corporate social and environmental responsibility programs, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to promote the restoration of marine habitats in areas surrounding its operations.
These initiatives include the deployment of artificial reefs, the installation of fish shelters, coral transplantation, and the deployment of squid attractors and squid restocking programs.
These programs are part of the company’s efforts to rehabilitate marine ecosystems while supporting the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources in the coastal areas of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
Between 2016 and 2024, PT TIMAH deployed 7,680 artificial reef units. These efforts continued in 2025 with the deployment of an additional 1,920 artificial reef units across the Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
In addition, from 2016 to 2024, the company installed 3,105 fish shelter units and carried out 1,475 coral transplantation units. These initiatives aim to restore marine habitats, enhance biodiversity, and provide suitable environments for marine organisms.
Artificial reefs are designed to resemble natural coral structures and are placed on the seabed to provide habitats for various marine species. Their deployment is carried out in stages, involving multiple stakeholders, including local governments, fishing communities, and academics.
Efforts to preserve coastal ecosystems also include the development of squid habitats. In collaboration with the Bangka Regency Branch of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association (DPC HNSI), PT TIMAH deployed 81 squid attractor units in the waters off Tambak Udang Beach, Bangka Regency, on October 6, 2026.
PT TIMAH worked alongside local governments and fishermen in implementing the initiative. The squid attractors are expected to provide shelter and spawning grounds for squid, helping sustain marine populations while potentially increasing fishermen's catches.
Head of the Bangka Regency Environmental Agency, Boy Yandra, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between PT TIMAH and HNSI in supporting the restoration of squid habitats in coastal waters. According to him, the placement of squid attractors at Tambak Udang Beach was based on scientific studies conducted in collaboration with the University of Bangka Belitung (UBB) to support the program's long-term sustainability.
"We appreciate the collaboration between HNSI Bangka and PT TIMAH. This initiative represents one of HNSI's efforts to create better conditions for squid habitats through the installation of squid attractors," Boy Yandra said.
Similar benefits are also being pursued in Belitung Regency. PT TIMAH has deployed 30 squid attractor units in the waters off Sungai Padang, Sijuk District, through its corporate social and environmental responsibility (TJSL) program for the Bekayo Joint Business Group (KUB) in Sungai Padang Village.
Head of the Belitung Regency Fisheries Agency, Ade Winarko, expressed appreciation for the company's support in preserving marine resources. According to him, squid attractors provide spawning grounds and surfaces where squid can attach their eggs, helping maintain squid populations in local waters.
"We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for PT TIMAH's collaboration and commitment to preserving marine resources through the deployment of squid attractors in the waters off Sungai Padang," Ade Winarko, Head of the Belitung Regency Fisheries Agency, said, as quoted by Antara some time ago.
Squid is one of Belitung's leading fisheries commodities and holds significant economic value for coastal communities. Data from the Belitung Regency Fisheries Agency show that squid catches reached 3,314 tons in 2025. Therefore, maintaining sustainable squid populations is essential to preserving fisheries resources and ensuring continued benefits for local fishermen.
In addition to providing habitats, PT TIMAH also implements squid restocking programs as part of its biological rehabilitation efforts for marine ecosystems. On June 15, 2026, the company, through its North Bangka Area Division, collaborated with the Sayang Babel Kite Foundation and local fishermen to conduct squid restocking activities in the waters off Tuing Beach, Mapur Village, Bangka Regency. During the activity, the company also deployed 10 squid attractor units.
Chairman of the Sayang Babel Kite Foundation, Indra Ambalika, explained that the restocking program aims to improve squid survival rates during their early life stages before they are released into their natural habitats. Hatching squid eggs in a controlled environment is expected to reduce the risk of eggs and juvenile squid being preyed upon by predators.
"Restocking is carried out to improve the survival rates of hatched squid. In the wild, squid eggs and juveniles face a high risk of being eaten by predators such as fish. By hatching them in a controlled environment, their chances of survival increase before they are released back into the sea," he explained.
Indra noted that squid is a high-value fisheries commodity and one of the primary catches for fishermen on Bangka Island. Therefore, maintaining sustainable squid populations is essential to supporting the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities. (*)
