BANGKA BARAT – PT Timah Tbk, through its Processing & Refinery Division and HSE Division, has established the Farm Estate Tanjung Ular in Mentok, West Bangka Regency.
This initiative to transform the land into agricultural fields aligns with President Prabowo's Asta Cita program.
The Farm Estate Tanjung Ular program utilizes 3.5 hectares of PT Timah's land, cultivating various vegetables such as water spinach, spinach, chili, corn, peanuts, galangal, and others. Additionally, fruits like mango, citrus, papaya, and coconut are also being grown.
In the future, the Farm Estate Tanjung Ular will focus on crop cultivation and expand into poultry farming, goat herding, and aquaculture.
Anggi Siahaan, Department Head of Corporate Communication at PT Timah, stated that the Farm Estate Tanjung Ular reflects PT Timah's efforts to align with President Prabowo's Asta Cita vision to support food security.
"The Bangka Belitung Islands Province heavily relies on food supplies from outside regions. Therefore, we are striving to utilize this land and manage it as farmland to support food security," said Anggi.
As a starting point, Anggi hopes the agricultural produce from the Farm Estate Tanjung Ular will initially meet the local community's needs around Tanjung Ular.
"At the very least, we aim to provide a steady supply of vegetables for the people around Tanjung Ular. Hopefully, in the future, it can fulfill the vegetable needs of the wider West Bangka community," she added.
PT Timah is also involving residents in the development of the Farm Estate. Alex, a resident of Keranggan Village, expressed hope that the program would continue to grow and be sustainable, as it significantly helps families and the surrounding community access healthy fruits and vegetables.
"Alhamdulillah, our family’s economic needs, like vegetables and side dishes, can be met through my involvement in this program," Alex said. (*)
