PANGKALPINANG -- Education plays a fundamental role in developing highly skilled and competitive human resources. Recognizing its importance, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to expand access to education for communities surrounding its operational areas.
The company's commitment is demonstrated through various education initiatives under its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programs. In addition to providing scholarship opportunities for young people, PT TIMAH supports the improvement of school facilities and infrastructure to create better teaching and learning environments.
PT TIMAH also promotes teacher capacity building through various initiatives, including the National Tastaka Movement (Gernas Tastaka) and teacher literacy programs implemented in the Bangka Belitung Islands and Riau Islands provinces.
For PT TIMAH, supporting education goes beyond providing access to schooling. It also means ensuring that students have access to safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environments that encourage their personal and academic development. Adequate educational facilities are expected to help schools deliver more effective learning experiences.
PT TIMAH's educational support extends across various levels, from early childhood education to higher education, including religious schools.
One of the company's flagship educational initiatives is the Pemali Boarding School program, which has been operating since 2000. The program provides academically talented students from economically disadvantaged families with opportunities to access quality education through scholarships and ongoing mentorship.
Through this program, students receive not only academic guidance but also character development, discipline training, opportunities to build independence, and support in developing their individual potential. These efforts aim to prepare students to pursue higher education and navigate future challenges.
Meanwhile, improving school facilities and infrastructure remains an essential part of strengthening the educational ecosystem in the company's operational areas. Assistance in the form of educational equipment and infrastructure development is expected to support teaching and learning activities while helping schools create more suitable environments for students and educators.
These initiatives reflect PT TIMAH's comprehensive approach to supporting education, from expanding access to quality learning opportunities to improving the facilities needed for effective educational experiences.
Improving educational quality in mining communities is also part of the company's broader efforts to empower local residents. With better access to education and improved facilities, younger generations are expected to have greater opportunities to develop their abilities, pursue their aspirations, and contribute to regional development.
PT TIMAH's educational support has also made a meaningful difference for families facing financial difficulties. Hellis, a resident of South Bangka, expressed her gratitude for the assistance that has enabled her daughter, Gladis, to continue her studies. Gladis is currently a fifth-semester student majoring in Islamic Psychology at the Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik State Islamic Institute (IAIN) of Bangka Belitung.
With her husband earning an irregular income as an informal tin miner, Hellis had been concerned that her daughter would be unable to continue her university education after a relative who had previously helped cover tuition expenses passed away.
"We had considered withdrawing our daughter from university because we could no longer afford the costs. Thank God, the assistance from PT TIMAH has meant so much to our family. We hope our daughter can complete her studies and build a better future," she said.
In addition to supporting students pursuing higher education, PT TIMAH also recognizes the importance of providing appropriate learning facilities for young children. The company recently donated playground equipment, including a slide and swings, to Nusa Indah Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education Center (TK/PAUD) in South Cambai Village, Central Bangka Regency.
Ciciyanti, Head of Nusa Indah Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education Center, explained that the assistance addressed an urgent need, as the school's previous playground equipment had deteriorated and was no longer safe to use. The institution currently serves 68 children, consisting of 50 kindergarten students and 18 early childhood education students.
"Thank God, we are extremely grateful to PT TIMAH. We truly needed outdoor playground equipment, such as slides and swings, because our old equipment was damaged and no longer safe for the children to use," she said.
According to Ciciyanti, safe playground facilities are essential for supporting children's motor skill development while creating an enjoyable learning environment. The assistance has also provided meaningful support to the school, which faces budget limitations in purchasing new equipment. (*)
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