BANGKA — PT Timah remains committed to sustainable environmental management, including efforts to preserve marine ecosystems. In collaboration with fishermen groups in its operational areas, PT Timah frequently installs fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the sea.
Just this week, PT Timah, together with the Bersatu Tambat Labuh Fishermen Group, deployed FADs in the waters of Matras, Bangka Regency, on Tuesday (April 22, 2025).
The FADs, or artificial fish shelters placed in the sea, bring new hope to local fishermen around Matras Beach. The type of FAD installed this time is made from concrete culverts.
FADs serve to attract fish to gather in specific areas, allowing fishermen to fish without traveling far offshore, thus increasing their catch.
In addition to deploying FADs, PT Timah also engages local fishermen in the production process, providing them with additional income opportunities.
Alongside this activity, PT Timah also distributed life jackets and extended the employment social security (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) coverage for the fishermen.
Okrodi, Chairman of the Bersatu Tambat Labuh Fishermen Group, expressed appreciation for PT Timah’s support in sustaining the livelihood of fishermen in Matras.
“We would like to thank PT Timah for assisting in making and installing these FADs. We hope this collaboration between our fishermen and PT Timah continues sustainably,” he said.
According to Okrodi, the installation of FADs has significantly impacted the fishermen's welfare in Matras Beach.
“With these FADs, fish gather more easily, and fishermen no longer need to go far out to sea to catch fish,” he explained.
Suharli, another fisherman, echoed the sentiment, saying he also benefited from the FAD installation and hoped it would attract more fish in the future.
“I'm happy with the FADs. Hopefully, they’ll bring in a lot of fish,” he said. (*)
