PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN) has launched a community-based reclamation program in West Sumbawa, focusing on the use of local resources to restore former mining lands and stimulate economic activity. The initiative encourages collaboration between AMMAN and local residents, aiming to integrate environmental sustainability with improvements in community welfare.
Initially, erosion control efforts relied on imported jute nets for steep slopes in reclamation areas. Over time, the approach shifted toward using coconut husks and arenga palm fibers—materials that are abundant near the mining site. These materials are processed into coconet and ijuk blankets, which have proven effective at preventing erosion even on challenging terrain.
AMMAN supports this shift by providing training and mentoring programs for nearby communities. Residents learn technical skills, business management, and quality control standards to ensure consistent product quality. AMMAN acts as the main buyer of these products but also encourages entrepreneurs to explore markets beyond its own supply chain.
The impact of this initiative is visible: by the end of 2024, coconet and ijuk blankets had been applied across 799.53 hectares of reclaimed land, with usage expected to increase as more land is restored.
A notable outcome of the program is women’s empowerment within these communities. In Jereweh, housewives now earn additional income by producing ijuk blankets while managing household responsibilities. Fatimah, one participant from Jereweh, said: “Through this AMMAN program, we housewives can earn significant additional income,” adding that learning how to transform coconut husks and ijuk into valuable goods has been empowering knowledge for them.
This model operates through community coordinators who manage formal business entities employing local residents. Skills are passed down through intergenerational training sessions to maintain continuity and preserve local expertise.
Kartika Octaviana, Vice President Corporate Communications at AMMAN, emphasized that the program reflects a long-term commitment: “The community-based reclamation program is part of AMMAN’s long-term commitment to create sustainable value for communities around the mine,” she said.
She continued: “We not only focus on environmental recovery but also on building local economic capacity that will continue, even after the mine’s operational period ends. The program’s scale also continues to grow, for example, in Maluk, the coconet supplier partner has increased its production capacity by adding coconut fiber spinning machines to meet the continuously growing demand.”
Further innovations include exploring new derivative products such as ant sugar from palm sap, ijuk brooms, and alternative fuels made from coconut husks. Cultivation of native plants supports ongoing conservation efforts alongside economic development.
The initiative demonstrates how obligations related to reclamation can foster both collaboration and transformation among stakeholders.
