KARIMUN -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk's presence in Sawang Laut Village, West Kundur District, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province, extends far beyond infrastructure development. Through a wide range of community empowerment programs, the company has contributed to economic development, social welfare, cultural preservation, religious activities, and environmental sustainability.
These sustainable initiatives have become an integral part of the village's journey in developing its local potential and improving the well-being of its residents.
Sawang Laut Village Head Jefrizal said PT TIMAH has made significant contributions by supporting various community initiatives and village development programs.
"PT TIMAH has become an integral part of the Sawang Laut community. Many of its programs have directly benefited residents, both economically and through village development," Jefrizal said.
In the religious sector, he noted that PT TIMAH recently supported the Sawang Laut Village Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ), a Quran recitation competition attended by 64 participants.
PT TIMAH has also helped strengthen the community's cultural identity through the construction of the Tanjak Gate, also known as Simpang Tanjak, in Sawang Laut Village.
Featuring the traditional Malay tanjak as its central design, the landmark has become one of the village's newest icons. In addition to beautifying the area, it serves as a symbol of the local community's cultural heritage.
According to Jefrizal, the construction of Simpang Tanjak was inspired by the community's aspiration to establish a landmark that represents Malay culture.
"This is Malay land, so we wanted to create an icon that reflects our cultural identity. Alhamdulillah, Simpang Tanjak now stands as the new face of the village and has become a popular photo spot for visitors," he said.
In the economic sector, one of the flagship initiatives is the Berlian Kundur Program, an extension of the BERLIAN Community Empowerment Program. The initiative includes several sub-programs, such as Asian sea bass farming, mangrove nurseries, hydroponic vegetable cultivation, shrimp paste (terasi) micro-enterprises, and climate awareness education.
The program actively empowers various vulnerable community groups, including the Tuah Bersatu Fish Farmers Group (POKDAKAN), the Lanjut Lestari Shrimp Paste MSME Group, and the Lanjut Bestari Hydroponic Farming Group.
In 2025, the program was expanded with additional sub-programs, including broiler chicken farming managed by the Unggas Sejahtera Group and a community waste bank operated by the Lanjut Berseri Group.
Amran, Chairman of the Tuah Bersatu Fish Farmers Group, said the group first explored Asian sea bass farming in 2022. PT TIMAH began providing technical assistance and cultivation facilities in 2023.
"At first, we only saw Asian sea bass farming on television. We never imagined we would be able to do it ourselves. With guidance and training from the Batam Center for Marine Aquaculture (BPBL Batam), we gained the confidence to develop this business," Amran said.
The program continues to thrive today, although the group's journey has not been without challenges. Limited technical knowledge, dependence on commercial feed, high feed costs, and unpredictable weather conditions have all presented obstacles.
PT TIMAH's support has enabled the group to continue moving forward through assistance in improving cultivation sites, providing fish fry and feed, and developing supporting facilities.
According to Amran, the aquaculture business is still in its development stage. Although the group's financial returns have not yet reached their full potential, the experience and knowledge gained have become valuable assets for future growth.
"When we look back, we started with nothing but dreams and stories. Now, an area that was once unproductive has become operational. About 70 percent of what we dreamed of has become reality. Alhamdulillah, PT TIMAH has truly helped us grow," he said.
Asian sea bass farming has also created an alternative source of income for local fishermen. In addition to fishing at sea, members of the group now have another economic activity that helps support their families.
"It's not just our group that benefits. There are also the shrimp paste producers, hydroponic farmers, poultry farmers, waste bank managers, and mangrove nursery groups. All of these initiatives continue to grow and provide tangible benefits for the community," he added.
Amran believes PT TIMAH's support has brought meaningful change to the people of Sawang Laut Village.
"PT TIMAH has played a tremendous role. At first, we had nothing except hopes and aspirations. Now, our cultivation site is productive, and as fishermen, we have an additional source of income. For us, this support has been invaluable," he said.
Looking ahead, the community hopes these programs will continue to expand and reach more sectors, including agriculture, women's farming groups, education, and other initiatives that strengthen the local economy. (*)
