PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has successfully completed River Watershed (DAS) Rehabilitation at two locations in Muara Enim Regency—the H Kalamudin Djinab City Forest, which spans 18.77 hectares (ha), and the Bukit Jambul Gunung Patah Protected Forest Area, which spans 215, 48 ha.This success was marked by the Exposure and Handover of Watershed Rehabilitation Work, reaching 234.25 ha, to the Ministry of Environment & Forestry (KLHK) on Monday, November 27, 2023. Watershed rehabilitation is a requirement of PTBA as the holder of the Forest Area Borrow-Use Permit (IPPKH).
"Environmental conservation is part of our efforts to support sustainable development. As a company that has a vision of becoming a world-class energy company that cares about the environment, this step certainly supports the company's sustainability to continue producing energy for the country," said the Corporate Secretary of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), Niko Chandra.
To restore watersheds in the H Kalamudin Djinab City Forest, PTBA has planted around 10,505 trees, including Bayur, Meranti, Ketapang, Merbau, Angsana, Eucalyptus, Jelutung trees, as well as fruit trees such as Matoa, Cashew, Mango, Duku, Cherry, Durian.
As for the Bukit Jambul Gunung Patah Protected Forest Area, PTBA has planted approximately 241,392 trees, including African Hardwood Trees, Rimau, Jackfruit, Candlenut, and Avocado.
"We hope that the fruit grown on community-cultivated land will bring economic value and income to the local community," said Niko.
Watershed rehabilitation aims to restore, preserve and improve the function of river watersheds so the carrying capacity, productivity and role in supporting life support systems are maintained. Thus, flooding can be prevented, soil fertility is maintained and water system is regulated.
In this program, PTBA collaborates with various institution such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Musi River Watershed Management Agency (BPDAS), the South Sumatra Provincial Forestry Service, the Muara Enim Regency Environmental Service, UPTD Forest Management Unit VIII Semendo, as well as the community around the Bukit Jambul Gunung Patah protected forest location.
PTBA has given over 687.25 hectares of watershed restoration land to the government, 453 ha in 2018 and 234.25 ha on November 27, 2023.
Furthermore, the watershed rehabilitation which is in the process of planting and maintaining, covers an area of 4,509.78 ha. PTBA plans to restore watersheds in new locations totaling 5,000 ha by 2024.
