BANGKA BARAT -- Efforts to preserve local arts and culture continue to gain space through collaboration among various stakeholders, including the business sector. PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to support the preservation of Bangka Barat’s cultural heritage, particularly cual fabric as one of the distinctive traditional textiles of Bangka Belitung, while also providing a platform for artists to showcase their creative works.
The support was realized through the facilitation of an art performance titled “Interpreting the Journey and Hopes of Cual Fabric,” held at PT TIMAH’s Majapahit Guest House in Mentok, Bangka Barat Regency, on Saturday evening (August 29, 2026).
The performance, which involved artists from Bangka Barat, explored the journey of cual fabric through its history, cultural significance, and the meanings embedded within it. The artists’ performances captivated and impressed the audience in attendance.
Show Director Junaidi Rahim said the performance was inspired by historical research identifying Mentok as one of the early areas where the technique of weaving cual fabric developed.
“Through ‘Interpreting the Journey and Hopes of Cual Fabric,’ we wanted to present the history and journey of cual fabric through a performing arts production,” Junaidi said.
According to him, performing arts can be an effective way to reintroduce the history and cultural values of cual fabric to the public, particularly younger generations.
Junaidi said PT TIMAH’s support played an important role in making the performance possible. The availability of a representative performance venue provided an opportunity for local artists to showcase their creativity.
“The success of this performance would not have been possible without PT TIMAH’s assistance and support. Through this representative venue, the artistic works and creativity of local artists, including young people, can be presented to the public,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s attention to the development of arts and culture in Bangka Barat. He said collaboration between the company and local artists should continue to be expanded so that more local cultural works can be presented and introduced to the public.
“We hope that in the future, PT TIMAH will not only provide support but also organize similar activities. We would like to thank PT TIMAH for helping facilitate efforts to bring back cultural roots that may have been buried for years. PT TIMAH cares about culture,” he said.
The performance also received appreciation from Bangka Barat Deputy Regent Yus Derahman, who attended and watched the performance firsthand.
He said presenting cual fabric through a performing arts production was a positive step toward strengthening the region’s cultural identity while creating opportunities for local artists to express their creativity.
“The staging of this performance is an implementation of the Media Production Services program for the Creation of Innovative and Creative Works, under the Utilization of the Endowment Fund for Culture, or Dana Indonesiana, program of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia,” Yus said.
Yus also expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s involvement in supporting various cultural and social activities in Bangka Barat. According to him, PT TIMAH’s Majapahit Guest House has also been used several times as a venue for local artists to showcase their works.
“It is not only used for art performances; this building is also frequently used by other artists to showcase their works. In addition, PT TIMAH often supports traditional and social community activities, such as Bangka Barat Anniversary celebrations, the Perang Ketupat tradition in Tempilang, Sedekah Kapong in Kundi, Dodol Bergema in Penyampak, and many others,” he said.
He said such support demonstrates that PT TIMAH’s presence is not solely associated with the company’s operations, but also with providing opportunities for communities to preserve traditions and develop their creativity.
“Overall, PT TIMAH is doing a great job,” he concluded. (*)
