Batangtoru, 3 November 2020 – PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), the operator of the Martabe Gold Mine supports the Ministry of Environment and Forestry through the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Center (Balai Besar Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam or “BBKSDA”) to release the Sumatran Tiger “Sri Nabilla” to the Gunung Leuser National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser or “TNGL”).
The support provided is in the form of transportation facilities or means of transportation in the form of helicopter and pilot from Patiambang Airport in Gayo Lues, Aceh to place “Sri Nabilla” in the Kappi Forest, TNGL. Kappi is a Core Zone located in the TNGL Area in Gayo Lues, Aceh.
Before being transported by helicopter, “Sri Nabilla” first had to take the land route from the Barumun Nagari Tiger Sanctuary, Aek Godang, Barumun in South Tapanuli to Blangkejeren, Gayo Lues.
The release of “Sri Nabilla” was carried out on 3 November 2020 which was also attended by the Head of North Sumatra BBKSDA, Hotmauli Sianturi, Gayo Lues District Head, Muhammad Amru, PTAR Government Relations Manager Irwanto Situmorang, External Relations Superintendent of PTAR Exploration Department Gunawanta Bangun, a representative of the Parsamuhuan Bodhicitta Mandala Foundation, Medan, representatives of several related NGOs, as well as a team of veterinarians who handle and monitor the health of “Sri Nabilla” led by Anhar Lubis, DVM.
“The support provided by PTAR is a proof of the company’s commitment to sustainable environmental management. Not only does the company always maintain the achievement of environmental management compliance in accordance with laws and regulations but also actively supports the central and regional governments, especially in mining operational areas to manage the environment in a sustainable manner, one of which is support for the protection of flora and fauna,” said Sanny Tjan, Director External Relations of PTAR.
Previously, “Sri Nabilla” entered the trap cage in Tapus Sipagimbal Village, Aek Bilah Sub-district, South Tapanuli on 24 August 2020. Based on the records of the North Sumatra BBKSDA, “Sri Nabilla” has been in conflict with the community around the village since May 2020.
Furthermore, Sanny explained, PTAR is working with SCORPION Foundation Indonesia to continue to support the protection and conservation efforts in South Tapanuli.
“In addition to provide support for “Sri Nabilla” in September 2020, together with SCORPION and North Sumatra BBKSDA, we also support the rescue of protected birds, namely the red parrot (Red Lory/Eos Bornea), big beaked bird (Rhinoceros) and eagle (Niseaetus Cirrhatus),” added Sanny.
The eagle is currently under further supervision and care at the Wildlife Transit Center in Sipirok, and will be released back into the Batangtoru Forest when it is more ready.
PT Agincourt Resources Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Katarina Siburian Hardono added that not only efforts and support for external environmental management, the company is also committed to implementing sustainable environmental management practices in the operational environment of the Martabe Gold Mine, one of which is through a rehabilitation program. In 2019, PTAR already submitted a mine closure document revision with a guarantee value of US$ 28.3 million so that all mining operational areas have had a mine closure plan.
Over the past year as well, a total of 35.5 hectares of area has been stabilized with cover crops. A total of 2,886 seedlings were already planted during 2019 and the company has prepared 5,828 seedlings from 45 plant species in the nursery facilities,” Katarina concluded.
Photo: The release of Sumatran Tiger “Sri Nabilla” by North Sumatra BBKSDA. This activity was attended by the Head of North Sumatra BBKSDA Hotmauli Sianturi, Gayo Lues District Head Muhammad Amru, PTAR Government Relations Manager Irwanto Situmorang, External Relations Superintendent of PTAR Exploration Department Gunawanta Bangun, a representative of the Parsamuhuan Bodhicitta Mandala Foundation, Medan, representatives of several related NGOs, and a team of veterinarians who handle and monitor the health of "Sri Nabilla" led by Anhar Lubis, DVM.
