PANGKALPINANG -- Houses of worship serve not only as places for religious activities but also as important community spaces that support social programs and strengthen unity among local residents.
Recognizing this important role, PT TIMAH Tbk, through its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, continues to provide assistance for the construction and improvement of facilities and infrastructure at houses of worship across the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and the Riau Islands Province.
The assistance provided by PT TIMAH is tailored to the specific needs of each house of worship, ranging from the construction of supporting facilities and improvements to worshippers' comfort to the provision of infrastructure that supports community social activities.
One of the beneficiaries is Nurul Huda Mosque in Lesung Batang Village, Tanjungpandan District, Belitung Regency.
The Chairman of Nurul Huda Mosque, Suwandi, said the assistance from PT TIMAH has been used to support the construction of several facilities for worshippers, including an ablution area, a kitchen, and a storage room.
"Alhamdulillah, we are truly grateful for PT TIMAH's assistance. This support has been very helpful in continuing the construction work, particularly the installation of roofing for the ablution area, kitchen, and storage room that we are currently building," Suwandi said.
According to Suwandi, the additional facilities have become increasingly necessary as the number of worshippers and mosque activities continues to grow.
PT TIMAH has also provided similar support to Baiturrahman Mosque in Air Kuang Village, Jebus District, West Bangka Regency. The assistance was used to purchase three air conditioning units to improve the comfort of worshippers during prayer services.
Jumadi, the Treasurer of Baiturrahman Mosque, said the assistance from PT TIMAH greatly helped the mosque management enhance its facilities.
"We used PT TIMAH's assistance to purchase three air conditioning units, which will be installed in the mosque so that worshippers can pray more comfortably," he said.
Meanwhile, in Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province, PT TIMAH also provided facilities and infrastructure assistance to Nurul Jami' Mosque in Perayun Village, West Kundur District.
The assistance, in the form of a tent, is expected to support various community social activities, including funeral services.
Masrul, Chairman of Nurul Jami' Mosque, said the tent fulfills an important community need, as residents previously had to borrow similar equipment whenever there was a funeral.
"In the past, whenever there was a funeral, we had to borrow a tent from others. Sometimes we even had to make do with a tarp. This tent is a tremendous help because it fulfills a need our community has had for a long time," he said.
In addition to funeral services, the tent can also be used to support bereaved families and various other community activities.
"We are truly grateful for this assistance. This facility provides tangible benefits to our community. We hope the company's contributions will continue to benefit the people of Perayun Village," Masrul said.
He added that this was not the first time Nurul Jami' Mosque had received support from PT TIMAH. Previously, the company had also assisted in the construction of the mosque's parking area, which continues to be used by worshippers and the surrounding community today. (*)
