SOUTH BANGKA – The Sinar Baru Farmers Group Association (Gapoktan Sinar Baru), a farmer group fostered by PT Timah, has successfully cultivated chili crops in Paku Village, Payung District, South Bangka Regency.
Since 2023, PT Timah has been supporting Gapoktan Sinar Baru in chili farming as part of its commitment to enhancing food security in its operational areas while strengthening the local agricultural sector.
PT Timah’s food security initiative aligns with President Prabowo's Asta Cita vision, which aims to achieve national food self-sufficiency.
On a 5,000 m² plot of land, Gapoktan Sinar Baru has planted thousands of chili plants. Their efforts have resulted in hundreds of kilograms of chili being harvested. On Friday (21/2/2025), they successfully harvested 405 kg of Bogor cayenne chili, marking their eighth harvest since early 2025.
According to Amir, Chairman of Gapoktan Sinar Baru, their success in chili farming would not have been possible without PT Timah’s support.
"PT Timah, as part of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding, has provided not only superior chili seeds and agricultural facilities but also technical assistance and farm management training," Amir explained.
With this support, farmers have been able to optimize land management, increase harvest yields, and strengthen the local economy.
"PT Timah has provided business capital and technical assistance since 2023. Since then, our yields have increased, and the quality of our crops has improved," he added.
Gapoktan Sinar Baru consists of 14 farmer groups, each comprising 25 farmers.
Meanwhile, Paku Village Head, Palmuri, stated that most residents in Paku Village are chili farmers because it is easier to cultivate and offers satisfactory yields.
"Many villagers used to be pepper farmers, but due to difficulties and pest issues, they switched to chili farming because it has a faster harvest cycle," he explained.
Palmuri expressed his gratitude for PT Timah’s contribution to Gapoktan Sinar Baru in Paku Village.
"We are very grateful that PT Timah supports our farmer groups in Paku Village. We hope their contribution will continue and expand to other villages in South Bangka," he said.
As is widely known, chili prices in Bangka Belitung often fluctuate due to dependence on supplies from other provinces. To address this, PT Timah, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, initiated a chili farming project by fostering Gapoktan Sinar Baru.
The successful implementation of this program, it is expected to boost chili farming productivity in Bangka Belitung, particularly in South Bangka. (*)
