"As a mining company that has trusted integrity in the national and international arena, PT MSP makes environmental conservation programs a priority in the future," PT MSP Director Harwendro Adityo Dewanto noted in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
This is directly correlated with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita, which aims to strengthen the national security defense system and encourage national independence through self-sufficiency in food, energy, water, the creative economy, green economy, and blue economy.
He said Arsari Tambang has consistently focused on environmental conservation since its inception.
"For the company, protecting the environment is a long-term imperative that has been rolled out since the beginning of the company's operations for sustainability," Harwendro remarked.
In collaboration with the Baturusa Cerucuk Watershed Management Agency (BPDAS) of Bangka Belitung Islands Province, PT MSP spearheaded the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) simultaneous tree planting throughout Indonesia in Mapur Riausilip Village, Bangka District, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
“This is an honor for us to be able to participate and continue to support the government in a positive way (tree planting),” Harwendro remarked.
PT MSP has been sustainably reforesting ex-mining land. Last year, 27 hectares of watershed in Kerakas Village, Central Bangka District, were successfully planted with various types of trees, such as cashew, eucalyptus, and cypress. This location has also been handed over to KLHK and symbolically received directly by the Indonesian Minister of Forestry.
Looking ahead, Arsari Tambang PT MSP plans to expand the tree planting area beyond Bangka District to include the districts of Central Bangka and South Bangka. The aim is to rehabilitate at least 709 hectares into green areas or watersheds in the future.
This plan encompasses 366 hectares in the operational area of PT Mitra Stania Kemingking (MSK) and 343 hectares in the operational area of PT Mitra Stania Bemban (MSB).
“In the future, there will be 709 hectares (of trees to be planted), and we have pioneered (this process). Later, after completion, it will be submitted to KLHK,” Harwendro noted.
Harwendro invited various elements to collaborate and synergize to develop the region by committing to protecting the environment.
PT MSP aspires to be a leader in environmental stewardship that other mining businesses can emulate. Moreover, environmental concerns are recognized as a national issue requiring collective responsibility.
“Hopefully, those who mine will realize that if it has been reclaimed, then do not destroy it again. We want Bangka Belitung to be green again. That is our hope. Hence, let us protect the environment,” Harwendro stated.
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Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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