Sea Mining Activities Disturbs Bangka Tourism, Businesses Claim

Bambang Pattijaya, chairman of the Bangka Belitung Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) has accused state-owned mining company PT Timah of threatening the tourism industry of Bangka Island by damaging the marine environment. 

"PT Timah is arrogant, because they never coordinate and communicate with tourism entrepreneurs. They only inform fishermen [about dredging] and promise them with false incentives," Bambang told Tempo on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Timah has been dredging seabeds around the island as part of its tin mining operation.
"Sea mining activities resulted in murky waters and has damaged coral reefs. A lot of tourists have reported the murky water condition and if it continues, no one will want to go to Bangka Island anymore," Bambang said.

Tourism businesses have requested the Bangka Belitung regional government establish boundaries and zoning of mining and tourism areas.

On the other hand, corporate secretary of PT Timah Agung Nugroho said that not all sea mining activities are conducted by PT Timah.

The company claimed to have informed fishermen around the location before proceeding with mining activities.

Source : Tempo