PT Timah has been at the forefront of community engagement, implementing various initiatives aimed at benefiting the environment and society at large. Among the prominent efforts is the recent planting of 12,000 mangrove seedlings across various beaches on Kundur Island, which showcases the company's commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems. This initiative is part of PT Timah's larger environmental management program, which includes efforts like sea reclamation to mitigate coastal erosion.
This mangrove planting project, carried out at locations such as Pantai Mata Air and Pantai Gemuruh, aims to combat the increasing threat of abrasion along the coastline. The involvement of local communities has been pivotal, fostering collaboration between PT Timah and residents who contribute to the planting efforts. Local resident Dedi expressed enthusiasm about being part of this initiative, stating, "I am happy PT Timah continues to plant mangroves around Pulau Kundur because the impact is very good for the community and fishermen." Fellow villager Khomari echoed this sentiment, noting the ecological benefits of mangroves, which serve as breeding grounds for marine life and help protect shorelines from strong waves.
While environmental sustainability remains a significant focus, PT Timah has also shown remarkable support for people with disabilities. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the company has spearheaded various educational initiatives aimed at creating inclusive educational opportunities. These programs include the "Timah Mengajar" initiative, which provides training for educators and parents of children with special needs.
During the past year, 175 teachers and 269 parents participated in the training sessions, equipping them with necessary skills to support children with disabilities. Anggi Siahaan, Department Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah, emphasized the importance of access to education for all, stating, "PT Timah’s support for individuals with disabilities is not just part of social responsibility but also our long-term commitment to creating more inclusive environments." The company has also established entrepreneurial schools for students with disabilities, teaching them skills like batik making and juice production, thereby enhancing their economic empowerment.
PT Timah's engagement with the community extends to health initiatives as well. The company recently introduced its "Mobile Health" program, bringing free medical services directly to underserved areas, like Dusun I, Desa Gemuruh. During one of their visits, 104 residents benefited from health consultations and treatments, something many would otherwise struggle to access due to transportation challenges. Yusri, the head of Dusun I, lauded the program, saying, "This mobile health service is extremely helpful for our people, who often have to travel far for medical care. We are grateful for PT Timah’s efforts to bring health services closer to us."
Continuing its commitment to local fishing communities, PT Timah has delivered support to the Batu Tuan II fishermen group in Desa Sawang Laut. The assistance is aimed at enhancing their catch through the provision of new shrimp nets, which are necessary for effective fishing as many were found to be damaged. Ambran, the leader of the fishermen group, explained the significance of this help, stating, "The nets we received from PT Timah are very much needed since many of ours are worn out, affecting our catch results as we rely on shrimp fishing.” This kind of support reflects PT Timah's aim to improve the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Alongside these efforts, PT Timah organized community fitness activities, such as healthy exercise sessions, to promote well-being and strengthen bonds among locals. This recent activity, hosted together with local government officials, saw participation from the community as they engaged not just in fitness but also formed social connections. Rini Indria Sari, the acting district head of Mentok, highlighted the event's purpose as one of synergy and community strengthening: "This healthy exercise is one form of social interaction and hopefully will lead us all to be healthier and united."
Enhancing connections with local stakeholders also extended to media collaborations. During the National Press Day (HPN) celebration, PT Timah expressed its appreciation to journalists by presenting traditional rice dishes to local press organizations. This gesture not only strengthened ties with the media but also acknowledged their role as partners in community development. Husni, the head of the Bangka Barat Press Association, appreciated the engagement and highlighted PT Timah’s proactive support for social and educational initiatives, ensuring the media's partnership for community progress.
Through these engaging and varied programs, PT Timah stands out as not only a leader within the mining industry but as a key player committed to fostering sustainable development within local communities. The company's actions resonate well beyond their corporate goals, aiming for lasting positive impacts through environmental conservation, educational empowerment, health services, and strong community ties.