Efforts to promote sustainable and equitable tin mining practices continue to be strengthened through collaboration among government institutions and business actors in Belitung Regency. This was reflected in the participation of a representative of the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark Management Body, Ms. Septi Anggraheni as one of the participants in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by CORE Indonesia (Center of Reform on Economics), an independent research institution specializing in economics and public policy.
The FGD, entitled “Optimizing the Benefits of Tin Mining to Enhance Economic Growth and Social Welfare,” was held on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at the BW Suite Hotel, Belitung. The discussion aimed to provide strategic input to the government to optimize the benefits of tin mining in line with the principles of sustainable development, environmental protection, and the improvement of community welfare.
During the group discussion, Ms. Septi Anggraheni emphasized the importance of local government involvement in the mining licensing process, despite the fact that authority over mineral mining permits currently rests with the central government. According to her, local government engagement remains essential to ensure that mining activities are aligned with the regional spatial planning of Belitung Regency and to prevent overlapping investment areas, particularly in zones with significant geological, ecological, and educational value such as geopark areas.
Furthermore, forum highlighted the environmental impacts caused by tin mining activities. Therefore, mining governance must be comprehensively improved through strict enforcement of post-mining reclamation obligations and the implementation of green mining practices. These measures are considered crucial to minimizing environmental degradation while safeguarding the sustainability of the area, especially within Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark as a world geological heritage site.
In line with the national policy on industrial downstreaming, local government encouraged PT Timah to take an active role in accelerating the development of tin-based industries in Belitung Regency. Tin downstreaming is expected to increase the added value of natural resources, promote regional economic diversification, and create sustainable employment opportunities for local communities.
Through collaboration among geopark managers, government institutions, research organizations, and business stakeholders, sustainable mining practices in Belitong are expected to not only support economic growth but also preserve environmental integrity and strengthen long-term social welfare for the community.
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