28 April 2025
Harita Nickel, through PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk, has successfully implemented a Watershed Rehabilitation (Rehabilitasi Daerah Aliran Sungai or Rehab DAS) program covering 1,765 hectares (ha) at Tigalalu protected forest area in Kayoa Island and Laluin Island, South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province. Mufti Sodik, Forestry Permitting & Compliance Manager of Harita Nickel, said watershed rehabilitation is part of the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible mining practices.
As a Forest Area Use Approval Permit (IPPKH) holder, Harita Nickel has an obligation to rehabilitate watersheds in critical land cover forest areas. Planting activities are carried out by involving the surrounding community, while monitoring and evaluation are carried out by relevant agencies. Based on the assessment of the success rate of planting carried out in three stages, Harita Nickel was declared successful and has handed over the results of watershed rehabilitation planting to the government.
The rehabilitation approach integrates both ecological and social aspects. In addition to planting seven species of native plants, such as nutmeg, cloves, walnut, and cashew, the program actively involves local communities. These plant species were selected not only for their ability to restore ecosystems but also for their economic potential for surrounding communities.
“These plants not only represent the rich biodiversity of the Maluku Islands but also carry real economic value. Nutmeg and cloves, for instance, have been part of the spice economy in the archipelago for hundreds of years,” said Mufti Sodik, Forestry Permitting & Compliance Manager at Harita Nickel.
Until its completion at the end of 2024, the program has received praise from various stakeholders, including government officials and local leaders. More than just benefiting from the outcomes, the community has been involved from the very beginning. “Community members are engaged in everything, from planting to maintenance,” Mufti added.
Nurbaity Radjiloen, Head of the South Halmahera Forest Management Unit, expressed her appreciation. “As local authorities, we are truly grateful to see the positive results of this watershed rehabilitation program. Hopefully, it can be replicated in other areas across South Halmahera,” Nurbaity explained.
Echoing that sentiment, Sukur Lila, Head of the North Maluku Forestry Department, emphasized that the program addresses both environmental and community economic concerns.
“Harita Nickel has demonstrated goodwill through the Watershed Rehabilitation program, which aims to protect the environment, especially forests in North Maluku, while also generating economic benefits for local communities,” said Sukur.
One of the program’s key strengths is the involvement of local residents. Rum Saleh, a community leader from Guruapin Village, expressed pride in the program, which he sees as a tangible opportunity for locals.
“This program is expected to bring economic benefits to our people. The community’s direct participation in planting and other activities makes us feel involved and valued,” Rum explained.
A watershed is more than just a waterway, it’s a vital part of the ecosystem. Without healthy vegetation, watersheds become vulnerable to floods, landslides, and soil degradation. This is what drove Harita Nickel to restore protected forests through an ecologically based watershed rehabilitation program.
This initiative is not just a formality, but a genuine expression of care for both the environment and local communities. “This rehabilitation effort not only improves natural conditions, but also reflects the company’s long-term commitment to conservation,” said Afian Eko Purnomo from the Ake Malamo Watershed Management Office.
With this program, Harita Nickel reaffirms its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and meaningful community involvement. “This watershed rehabilitation is an important step to support the water cycle, reduce erosion, and ultimately bring economic benefits to surrounding communities,” Mufti Sodik concluded.
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