Marine floor ecosystem restoration at PT Indominco Mandiri's (IMM) waters area shows proud progress. Coral reefs around the Bontang Coal Terminal area are now more vibrant and beautiful. Despite their efforts, the IMM team continues to face challenges that need to be addressed in the future.
Through the foreshore restoration program initiated in 2012, IMM conducts transplantation and monitoring in various locations, including near the ship loader area.
Recent monitoring by researchers and lecturers from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Mulawarman University, led by Muchlis Efendi, shows that coral reef maintenance activities include replacing dead seedlings and cleaning transplantation media from algae and disruptive plants.
Areas C5 and C12 are the focus of monitoring and maintenance after 631 coral reef seedlings were previously installed. This monitoring also measures the growth and health of the transplanted coral reefs.
According to Muchlis, the ecosystem conditions in the C12 transplantation area are quite good, although there are still challenges in coral survival rates. "Some coral reefs have grown to large sizes, but the average survival rate is only 39%," said Muchlis Efendi.
In area C5, some points show varied growth. The process of replacing dead corals is crucial to ensure rehabilitation success. The reef fish population in both locations has also changed, indicating ecosystem development.
Interestingly, Muchlis noted that despite ship loader activity, marine life is unaffected, with large fish even found underneath.
The success of foreshore ecosystem rehabilitation is seen from indicators such as coral reef transplantation size, natural recruitment rates, and coral fish diversity in the restored areas.
IMM Environment Head, Suharyono, said bio-deficits in and outside the concession area are significant concerns. IMM has been conducting transplantation since 2012.
Suharyono added that IMM has conducted transplant monitoring activities twice, in 2017 and 2024.
"We continue to evaluate and improve the program's effectiveness," said Suharyono.
Similarly, Era Tjahja Saputra, IMM expert advisor, stated that the program would add to the biodiversity in the company's mining area. "Besides enriching biodiversity, this program is also expected to benefit the surrounding area and has an integrated long-term plan," stated Era.
Fish Bank for Sustainable Ecosystems
In addition to coral reef transplantation, IMM initiated the Fish Bank or Fish House program this year to increase fish populations by creating better habitats. This program aligns with the company's vision to improve marine ecosystems and support ecotourism development around IMM's coastal areas.
Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community IMM, Muhammad Ngirom Hudi, emphasized that last year's monitoring results showed positive developments.
"We hope future results will meet expectations, benefiting the ecosystem and the company," said Ngirom Hudi.
IMM has also developed a roadmap to address bio-deficit challenges and rehabilitation sustainability. This year, the company will expand the transplantation program in areas C2 and C3 and develop fish houses. Meanwhile, in 2026, IMM will focus on monitoring previous transplantation results and developing conservation-based ecotourism programs.
IMM Mine Head, Eddy Susanto, stressed the importance of this program as part of the company's environmental responsibility. "This is not just a temporary need, but also our effort for the sustainability of marine ecosystems," he said.
