KARIMUN -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to demonstrate its commitment to community empowerment through various tangible programs. One of them is by supporting the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Lanjut Lestari in Sawang Laut Village, Kundur Barat District, Karimun Regency.
KWT Lanjut Lestari, consisting of 10 members, processes rebon shrimp to produce shrimp paste under the brand “Belacan Cinta.” With guidance from PT TIMAH, the group members have been able to experience its economic benefits.
The head of KWT Lanjut Lestari, Susilawati, shared that their group was formed with support from PT TIMAH. Their group is also mentored by Pokdakan Tuah Bersatu, which is part of PT TIMAH’s assisted groups.
Susilawati explained that the empowerment program from PT TIMAH has brought significant changes to their group, especially in strengthening the economic capacity of women.
“Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful for the support. At first, we didn’t know how to make shrimp paste, but after receiving training, we are now able to produce it ourselves,” she said.
She added that the abundance of rebon shrimp in their area has become an opportunity that is now being developed into a sustainable, value-added product. Previously, the shrimp catch had not been utilized optimally.
“In our area, there is a lot of rebon shrimp. With guidance from PT TIMAH and Pokdakan, we learned how to process it into shrimp paste. Now it has become a product that we can sell,” she said.
In the production process, KWT Lanjut Lestari has continued to increase its output. Their products are now marketed in local shops around the village and have reached areas outside Kundur Barat, such as Tanjung Balai Karimun and Batam. Although still focused on the local market, the product is gradually gaining recognition.
In addition to providing training, PT TIMAH has also supported production facilities and infrastructure, including building a production house, providing equipment, and supplying machines for shrimp paste processing.
“The support from PT TIMAH has been tremendous, from production tools and machines to building a production facility. We are truly fully supported,” Susilawati said.
This program has also provided direct economic benefits for the members. Housewives who previously had no income are now able to contribute to their family’s finances.
“Alhamdulillah, we now have an income. Even though it is not large, it really helps ease our husbands’ burden. The sales proceeds are also used for group savings and social funds,” she added.
Susilawati hopes that the program will continue in the future so that their group can become more independent and continue to grow.
“We are very grateful for this support. We hope there will be more programs in the future and that we can continue to be guided until we are truly independent,” she said.
Through its Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM), PT TIMAH continues to strive to improve community welfare in its operational areas by utilizing local potential and encouraging economic independence. (*)
