PANGKALPINANG -- The Healthy Week held to commemorate the 49th anniversary of PT Timah Tbk was not only a moment of sports and togetherness, but also an opportunity to boost the community’s economy.
A total of 187 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) participated in the MSME Bazaar, which was part of the Healthy Week celebrations across six locations: Kundur, East Belitung, Pangkalpinang, Mentok, Toboali, and Belinyu.
The presence of hundreds of MSMEs offering various culinary delights, handicrafts, and creative products was enthusiastically welcomed by participants of the Healthy Week, which carried the theme “For the Red and White.”
Each Healthy Week event site drew thousands of people who not only joined the sports activities but also had the chance to enjoy and shop for local products.
PT Timah Tbk’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, said that involving hundreds of MSMEs in the Healthy Week is expected to expand their market reach, introduce their products to more consumers, and increase their income.
The MSME Bazaar aligns with PT Timah’s commitment to supporting MSME empowerment, which has long been the backbone of the community’s economy.
“PT Timah strives to create programs with double impact. Through Healthy Week in the company’s operational areas, the community can enjoy fun and healthy activities while simultaneously stimulating the local economy through the MSME Bazaar,” Anggi explained.
One of the MSME participants at the Belinyu Healthy Week, Winda, who sells Dimsum Cheese and Steak, said her products sold out quickly. She even produced more than usual in preparation for the event.
“I usually sell online, and this was my first time selling at an event like this. My revenue increased drastically. Alhamdulillah, all my products sold out. Thank you to PT Timah for giving us the opportunity to sell here,” she said.
Similarly, Ruri, an MSME participating in the Healthy Week in Pangkalpinang, expressed her gratitude. Her products also sold out during the MSME Bazaar.
“Alhamdulillah, sales were excellent today, and revenue increased significantly compared to normal. The buyers were amazing. I’m so grateful for PT Timah’s event because the crowd was huge, and that boosted sales. Thank you, PT Timah, for holding this event,” she said.
Erliana, another MSME participant and PT Timah’s foster partner, who sells handicrafts and accessories, shared the same sentiment.
“The MSME Bazaar is a great chance for us to showcase our products and connect with people. Since we are in the handicraft business, visitors often show interest, and sometimes after events like this, they contact us for orders or collaboration,” she explained.
According to her, being a foster partner of PT Timah has brought many benefits, not only in terms of capital but also training to improve skills and support in promoting products through exhibitions.
Through various CSR programs, PT Timah consistently supports MSMEs. The involvement of MSMEs in major events like the company’s anniversary celebration proves that small businesses are not just complementary, but an essential part of the economic development ecosystem in the company’s operational areas. (\*)
