SEAFDEC/IFRDMD Attends Kick-off Meeting with PT Timah Tbk
The Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Mr. Andi Soesmono, reported the plan for implementing a research activity entitled “Assessment of the Potential of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) in the Kolam Air Jangkang Area, Riding Panjang Village, Bangka”, which will be conducted from 2025 to 2026. This activity represents a collaborative effort among SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, PT Timah Tbk, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), IPB University, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). The study aims to assess the potential of inland post-mining waters as non-protected areas that can make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation.
During the Kick-off Meeting, Mr. Suhendra Yusuf Ratuprawiranegara, Director of Business Development at PT Timah Tbk, emphasized the company’s commitment to transforming post-mining lands into productive and sustainable areas by integrating multiple sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and renewable energy. He explained that PT Timah Tbk manages extensive post-mining lands that hold great potential to be developed into models of agro-fishery post-mining programs. This concept combines fish farming, agriculture, and solar energy utilization to create areas that not only generate economic value but also provide social and ecological benefits for surrounding communities.
According to Mr. Suhendra, the collaboration with SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, BRIN, IPB University, and MMAF presents a valuable opportunity to develop this initiative as a national pilot project that supports Indonesia’s Blue Economy policy while enhancing the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
In his remarks, Mr. Andi Soesmono highlighted that Bangka Island has unique potential due to the large number of former mining pits that have naturally evolved into new habitats for various local freshwater fish species. He noted that this study is expected to serve as a reference for identifying OECM-designated non-protected areas that contribute effectively to in situ biodiversity conservation.
Furthermore, Mr. Andi explained that implementing the OECM concept in post-mining waters—such as those in Bangka—would enable Indonesia to expand its biodiversity conservation scope while strengthening the role of the private sector in achieving the global 30×30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and sea areas by 2030.
Through the synergy among PT Timah Tbk, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, BRIN, IPB University, and MMAF, the study on OECM potential in Bangka Island marks a concrete step toward developing an inclusive conservation model beyond formally protected areas. The outcomes of this research are expected to enrich scientific knowledge on post-mining inland water conservation and support national policy formulation that balances ecological preservation, economic development, and community well-being.