SOUTH BANGKA – PT Timah Agro Manunggal (PT TAM), a subsidiary of PT Timah, collaborated with Korem 045 Gaya to plant 22,000 kayu putih (cajeput) trees and other vegetation in Tiram Village, Tukak Sadai District, South Bangka Regency, on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
This large-scale tree-planting initiative is part of a joint effort to rehabilitate critical watershed areas (DAS).
The program aligns with the Indonesian Army’s (TNI AD) "Unity with Nature" initiative, which focuses on tree planting efforts. PT TAM partnered with Korem 045 Gaya to reforest 35 hectares of degraded land in Tiram Village, South Bangka Regency.
Tito Bora Sandi, Head of the Tiram Watershed Rehabilitation Project, explained that PT TAM was tasked by PT Timah to rehabilitate 35 hectares in South Bangka and 280 hectares in Belitung, with the latter project currently underway.
"In this critical land rehabilitation in Tiram Village, PT TAM is collaborating with the Indonesian Army, specifically Korem 045 Gaya, to plant 22,000 kayu putih trees and other vegetation. This initiative aligns with the Indonesian Army's program to reconnect with nature," Tito stated.
He added that this collaboration with Korem 045 Gaya extends beyond Bangka. In Belitung, a similar effort involves planting 66,000 trees over 60 hectares in the Gunung Sepang area, Buding Village, Belitung Regency.
The kayu putih trees planted in these areas are not just for reforestation but will also provide economic benefits to local communities once they mature and can be processed.
"We hope this partnership runs smoothly, that the planting program succeeds, and that the surrounding communities can benefit from the trees in the future," Tito said.
Meanwhile, Commander of Kodim 0432, Lt. Col. Arh Sebmy Setiawan, emphasized the Indonesian Army's role in rehabilitating critical land and promoting sustainable environmental stewardship.
“This reforestation program aims to restore degraded mining land and improve environmental quality,” said Lt. Col. Sebmy Setiawan.
He also expressed hope that these greening efforts would not only prevent natural disasters but also foster a healthier environment for future generations.
"What we accomplish today will benefit the youth of tomorrow. Therefore, let us protect and maintain what we have achieved together," he concluded. (*)
