KARIMUN – PT Timah continues to support women's empowerment and strengthen the local economy in its operational areas, including in Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province.
Through its community empowerment program, PT Timah is assisting the Lanjut Bestari group in Sawang Laut Village, Kundur Barat District, to cultivate vegetables using a hydroponic system. This initiative aims to improve women's welfare while supporting local food security.
The Lanjut Bestari group, consisting of women from the Majlis Taklim of Mushalla Assyafi'iyah in Sawang Laut Village, is engaged in hydroponic farming, growing various vegetables such as pak choy, lettuce, sawi senfeng, and celery.
President Director of PT TIMAH Tbk, Ahmad Dani Virsal, encouraged the Lanjut Bestari members during his visit to the group at the end of last year.
Ahmad Dani Virsal reaffirmed PT TIMAH Tbk’s commitment to continuously supporting local communities in developing their potential to enhance their economic well-being.
"Through this program, we hope to empower the people of Sawang Laut Village to become more self-sufficient in producing healthy and nutritious food. We also want to encourage them to innovate and expand, whether in hydroponic farming or its derivative products," he stated.
During the visit, PT Timah’s President Director also engaged in discussions with the group members about their development and the challenges they face.
Sartini, the leader of Lanjut Bestari, highlighted some of the challenges in hydroponic farming, such as flooding, which affects water quality and plant nutrient pH levels.
Nevertheless, she expressed her gratitude for PT TIMAH Tbk's support, which has allowed the group to continue growing.
"This program has greatly helped us gain knowledge and skills in hydroponic farming. We have learned to manage this cultivation better and hope to expand our products in the future, such as processing vegetables into chips or other food products," said Sartini.
The group's hydroponic produce is now marketed to the local community, and demand for their vegetables continues to increase, presenting a promising business opportunity.
As a member of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding, PT Timah Tbk continues to assist the Lanjut Bestari group in developing and optimizing their hydroponic farming efforts.
This initiative aligns with PT Timah's commitment to not only focus on business success but also create a positive impact on local communities. By empowering women through hydroponic farming, the company aims to build a more self-sufficient and prosperous community while strengthening local food security. (*)
