PANGKALPINANG -- PT Timah Tbk continues to demonstrate its commitment to coastal environmental conservation through its Coral Garden and Fishing Ground programs. These initiatives not only aim to preserve marine ecosystems but also help improve fishermen’s catches in coastal areas.
The Fishing Ground and Coral Garden are part of PT Timah Tbk’s CSR initiatives in the environmental sector. These are artificial structures placed on the seabed to serve as a medium for natural coral growth while also providing a habitat for various marine species.
The fishing grounds are expected to reduce the distance fishermen must travel to catch fish, thereby improving fishing efficiency and increasing fishermen’s income.
In the first semester of 2025, PT Timah deployed 178 fish shelters in the waters of Bangka Regency in collaboration with local fishing communities and the Bangka Regency Environmental Agency.
Additionally, PT Timah has submerged 40 coral garden units within its operational areas. This effort is aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability while also supporting community livelihoods through integrated marine-agro economic development for coastal communities around the company’s operations.
Through this initiative, it is expected that fish populations and marine biodiversity will be preserved, providing direct benefits to local fishermen through improved catches.
Anggi Siahaan, Department Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah Tbk, explained that the coral garden and artificial reef program is part of the company’s social and environmental responsibility.
Anggi added that PT Timah directly involves local communities in the process—from construction and submersion to monitoring and maintenance of the coral gardens and fishing grounds.
“Business sustainability must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability. Through this program, we are contributing to marine ecosystem preservation while also supporting fishermen’s welfare,” he said.
Ramadan, a fisherman in Bangka Regency who took part in PT Timah Tbk’s coral garden and fish shelter program, said they have already felt the benefits of the submerged coral gardens.
“The biggest change is that we don’t have to go far out to sea anymore because the coral garden is only about 1 mile offshore. There are also plenty of fish, like red snapper. This really helps us save on fuel costs,” he said.
As a tourism operator, Rama also believes that the coral gardens provide added value, as he can now bring visitors to snorkeling spots.
“I often take tourists from Penyusuk Beach to nearby islands, and with the coral garden spots, I can show them great places for snorkeling to see fish. Hopefully, this program continues and more coral garden sites are created,” he said.
This initiative aligns with the company’s vision of balancing business operations, environmental conservation, and community welfare. As a result, the program delivers not only ecological benefits but also socio-economic impacts for coastal communities. (*)
