PANGKALPINANG – Animals play a vital role in maintaining the global ecosystem and environment. As a company operating in the mining sector, PT Timah recognizes the importance of balancing operational activities with environmental conservation efforts.
In line with sustainable mining principles, PT Timah continues undertaking various initiatives to protect and preserve wildlife in its operational areas.
One of the tangible commitments PT Timah has made to wildlife preservation is collaborating with the Alobi Foundation to establish a Wildlife Rescue Center (PPS) in Kampoeng Reklamasi Air Jangkang.
A 4-hectare former mining site has been transformed into the Wildlife Rescue Center, featuring dozens of animal enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. Lush trees and fruit-bearing plants that provide natural food for rehabilitated animals are prominent features.
Kampoeng Reklamasi Air Jangkang is a former mining area managed by PT Timah, which has been developed into an edu-eco tourism site integrated with agriculture, livestock, and plantations.
Since 2018, PT Timah and the Alobi Foundation have rehabilitated hundreds of protected animals rescued from law enforcement, handed over by the public, or rescued in the wild.
"This PPS is meant for temporarily rehabilitating wild animals, especially protected species. They are rehabilitated to restore their wild instincts. Once they are ready, they will be released back into their natural habitat," said Endy R. Yusuf, Manager of Alobi PPS Air Jangkang.
Some of the animals that have been rehabilitated include sun bears, cockatoos, peafowl, sambar deer, gibbons, slow lorises, and various other species, including endemic animals from the Bangka Belitung Islands.
"Kampoeng Reklamasi Air Jangkang is a former mining site, part of which is used for the PPS. This area includes 37 enclosures, a watchtower, an office, a clinic, and other facilities built by PT Timah," he explained.
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According to Endy, once rehabilitation is complete, the animals will be released back into their natural habitats to support wildlife conservation in the wild.
Endy noted that almost all enclosures are filled with animals, especially given the high rate of negative interactions between wildlife and humans in Bangka Belitung, particularly with crocodiles, due to the destruction of ecosystems caused by illegal mining.
"In recent months, we've received many slow lorises, an endemic species from Bangka Belitung, as there have been increasing negative interactions between wildlife and humans. These animals are leaving their habitats because their ecosystems are disrupted. The number of crocodile incidents is also rising," Endy added.
Furthermore, Endy explained, that at PPS Alobi they carry out conservation which is an effort to maintain the existence of animals in nature. Because the presence of wild animals is very important to protect nature.
"Since 2018, PT Timah has consistently supported activities at Alobi PPS. Mining impacts the environmental ecosystem, but it can follow the concept of 'what we take, we give back.' Tin resources are essential for various industries, including the technology we use," he said.
However, Endy emphasized that tin mining must adhere to the principles of Good Mining Practices, prioritizing green mining principles to minimize environmental impact.
"Alobi PPS is another form of reclamation carried out by PT Timah. This shows PT Timah's responsibility as a mining company to conserve protected wildlife," he added.
On World Animal Day, Endy hopes that all parties will work together to preserve wildlife, as they too have the right to live in their natural habitats.
"The challenge now is how we can raise awareness that wildlife must be protected, and their ecosystems must be maintained. Everyone needs to be concerned about this issue, as we are already experiencing the consequences of ignoring it," he concluded. (*)
