PANGKALPINANG -- To improve the welfare of fishermen and support a sustainable economy, PT Timah Tbk, through its Environmental Social Responsibility (TJSL) program, has implemented various empowerment initiatives and provided assistance to fishing groups in the company’s operational areas.
As a member of the Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, PT Timah also aims to support the development of the fisheries sector while promoting sustainable marine food security.
PT Timah’s programs for fishermen include the installation and sinking of fish aggregating devices (FADs), mangrove planting, provision of fishing equipment such as nets and outboard engines, and coverage under the national employment social security program (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan).
The company has also supported the improvement of fishing infrastructure, such as building mooring docks, repairing bridges, and dredging fishing harbor channels.
These programs and assistance are a tangible form of PT Timah’s support for the economic activities of coastal communities who depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.
One of the fishermen who received fishing equipment from PT Timah, Musdar Paidi, expressed his gratitude for the new fishing nets, as many of the group’s nets were damaged.
“These nets are exactly what we needed because our old ones were mostly worn out. Buying new ones is quite costly, so we’re grateful to receive them for free from PT Timah. Fishing nets have a big impact on our catch,” said Musdar, the head of the Batu Kodok Coastal Fishermen Group in South Bangka Regency.
PT Timah also worked with fishing groups to install and submerge fish aggregating devices (FADs), which help attract schools of fish and make it easier for fishermen to catch them. These FADs are expected to be utilized optimally to increase fishermen’s catch.
The benefits of the FADs installed by PT Timah have already been felt by fishermen, especially in Tanjung Kubu, South Bangka Regency, where catches have increased significantly in the FAD zones.
“Fishermen in Tanjung Kubu have experienced many benefits from the FADs. We no longer have to go far out to sea because the fish gather nearby. It doesn’t take long for fish to bite once we cast our lines. Previously, we’d leave before dawn and return in the evening with just 10 kg. Now, we can catch up to 50 kg a day,” said Rispandi, a fisherman from Tanjung Kubu.
Understanding the high-risk nature of fishing, PT Timah also provides social protection for fishermen through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. A total of 1,611 fishermen from the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and the Riau Islands Province have benefited from this social security program, which PT Timah runs in collaboration with BPJS.
“The programs and assistance provided to fishermen are part of PT Timah’s support in strengthening the fishing community’s economy. We hope these initiatives can increase fishermen’s productivity and income,” said Anggi Siahaan, Department Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah.
Anggi also hopes that PT Timah’s collaboration with fishing groups will not only bring economic benefits but also foster joint efforts to protect marine ecosystems. (*)
