PANGKALPINANG - PT Timah is implementing empowerment programs for fishermen in its operational areas as part of its efforts to improve the local economy.
The empowerment programs for fishermen are being carried out in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and Riau Islands Province. Among the initiatives, PT Timah provides assistance in the form of fishing gear such as nets, outboard motors, and others.
Additionally, PT Timah is implementing a social security program through the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) for fishermen groups. This program aims to provide social protection for fishermen.
As a member of the Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, PT Timah also conducts programs for the creation and sinking of fish aggregating devices (rumpon) and coral gardens in collaboration with fishermen groups.
PT Timah also collaborates with the Indonesian Fishermen Association (Himpunan Nelayan Seluruh Indonesia - HNSI) in various regencies and cities in Bangka Belitung to provide assistance to fishermen who have experienced accidents.
The commitment of PT Timah in empowering fishermen is appreciated by the fishermen groups. Khamarudin, the Chairman of the Sungai Daud Fishermen Group in Karimun Regency, expressed his gratitude.
"KUB Sungai Daud feels happy and grateful for this net assistance. Hopefully, with these new nets, our catch will increase, and the economic conditions of our families will also improve," said Khamarudin.
According to Khamarudin, KUB Sungai Daud consists of eleven members engaged in shrimp and fish netting. However, most of their fishing gear is already damaged and worn out, reducing their effectiveness.
"This net assistance is very helpful for me and the members of KUB because we are traditional fishermen who catch shrimp with our daily catches just enough. It is somewhat challenging for us to renew our fishing gear, so we work with whatever equipment we have," explained Khamar.
Similarly, Andri Sagita, the Chairman of HNSI in West Bangka Regency, stated that PT Timah Tbk often demonstrates its concern for fishermen groups, including HNSI.
"In addition to providing organizational support, PT Timah Tbk frequently involves HNSI in various activities such as coral reef sinking and mangrove planting," said Andri Sagita after receiving assistance from PT Timah late last year.
Bondan, the Chairman of the Anugrah Fishermen Group in Pangkalpinang City, echoed the sentiments, stating that the assistance of shrimp nets received by their group is very fitting.
"Alhamdulillah, we received 100 packs of shrimp nets from PT Timah. This is because from mid-December to February, we will enter the shrimp season," said Bondan at the end of last year.
They are grateful to receive net assistance from PT Timah Tbk, as purchasing nets individually requires a considerable amount of money.
"We are very grateful for the assistance from PT Timah because buying these shrimp nets is somewhat difficult for us. The price is quite high, and on average, each member can only afford to buy 3 to 5 packs. The price is around 200 thousand per pack, and it is quite heavy for us to buy them," he added. (*)
