Bengkalis, 23 October 2024 - As a commitment to environmental sustainability and community economic empowerment, APP Group's business unit, PT Arara Abadi, together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Bathin Sakai 8 & 5 Sungai Jeneh organized the restocking of Baung fish in Payongek River, Kesumbo Ampai Village, Bathin Solapan District, Bengkalis Regency. This program is a follow-up to the collaboration with BRIN's Center for Applied Zoology signed at the end of September 2023, which focuses on the conservation and restoration of inland aquatic ecosystems.
This release is expected to increase the local fish population and support ecosystem sustainability, while providing long-term economic benefits for the Bathin Sakai 8 & 5 Sungai Jeneh community. This activity is in line with the efforts of the Desa Makmur Peduli Alam (DMPA) Program to prevent forest and land fires, while improving community welfare through an environment-based approach.
“We hope that this collaboration can have a real impact in developing sustainable solutions that benefit local communities and preserve aquatic ecosystems. The release of Baung fish is an important part of our efforts to create a balance between the economy and the environment,” said APP Group Corporate Social & Community Engagement Head Agung Wiyono.
BRIN Applied Zoology Research Center Germplasm Conservation Researcher Otong Zenal Arifin added, “This release is a concrete step in the conservation of local aquatic species, especially the baung fish which has high ecological and economic value. In this case, PT Arara Abadi plays an important role as an implementer in the field. Through this program, we are trying to involve the community in maintaining the sustainability of natural resources in their area.”
This fish release activity involves various parties, including the local community from Bathin Sakai, local government, and other stakeholders, to ensure the program runs smoothly and provides optimal benefits. With this restocking, it is hoped that the aquatic ecosystem in the Payongek River can return to balance and support the lives of people who depend on these natural resources.
Chairman of Bathin Solapan, M.Nasir said, “We are very grateful and welcome the initiative of PT Arara Abadi and BRIN in this Baung fish release activity. PT Arara Abadi is a friend of our Bathin Sakai. This program not only helps restore the local fish population, but also provides economic opportunities for our community. We hope that this kind of cooperation will continue for the welfare and preservation of the environment in our region,”
Previously, fish release activities were also carried out in Kesumbo Ampai Village in June 2024, as part of the same program, which aims to improve local fish populations and increase community involvement in preserving the environment.