WEST BANGKA -- PT TIMAH Tbk has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting religious facilities in the community. The company provided assistance for the construction of the Bakti Kasih Funeral Home located in Menjelang Subdistrict, Mentok District, West Bangka Regency.
The funeral home has long been a hope for the congregation of the Catholic Church of Saint Mary, Protector of Sailors Parish. The construction of this mourning facility has been carried out independently by the parishioners and is now in its final stages.
The assistance from PT TIMAH Tbk was handed over by the Division Head of Processing and Refinery, Sofian Simangunsong, to Pastor Raymond, accompanied by the Chairman of the Bakti Kasih Funeral Home Construction Committee, Gunawan, at the PT TIMAH Guest House in Mentok on Wednesday (December 10, 2025).
Pastor Raymond explained that the presence of the Bakti Kasih Funeral Home is greatly needed by parishioners, especially families living far from the city center who do not have a place to lay the deceased before burial.
“The funeral home provides a proper and peaceful place to handle the deceased professionally and to support grieving families. It is an essential facility to ensure the final respects can be given with dignity,” he said.
He emphasized that many parishioners have struggled when a family member passes away because they lack a proper space to lay the body before the funeral.
“That is why the church wants to provide a place for parishioners who live far away and do not have housing in Mentok. We are very grateful that the construction of this funeral home is finally becoming a reality,” he added.
Pastor Raymond also expressed his appreciation and prayers for PT TIMAH Tbk.
“On behalf of the Catholic Church, we thank PT TIMAH Tbk for supporting the construction of this funeral home. May PT TIMAH Tbk always be granted ease and continued success,” he said.
Gunawan, the Construction Committee Chairman, noted that the plan to build the Bakti Kasih Funeral Home emerged several years ago but was delayed due to the pandemic and limited funding.
He hopes that PT TIMAH Tbk’s support will accelerate the completion of the construction, which has been ongoing for the past three months.
“We are very grateful to PT TIMAH. With this assistance, we are optimistic that the funeral home can be completed soon and put to use by the parishioners,” he said.
