PLANTATIONS are the backbone of South Bangka regency where about 75 percent of its entire population of 149,173 (2004) live on plantations. Almost 30 percent of the regency’s economic activities in the southern part of Bangka Island stem from plantations.

The 3,607,08-square-kilometer regency produces pineapples, white pepper, rubber and palm oil. Despite a decline in pineapple production, efforts continue to be made to increase its output by