PANGKALPINANG – PT Timah has facilitated the return of dozens of students from Belitung Island to their hometowns through its Free Homecoming Program, which was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of SOEs.
After previously sending students from Java to Belitung on March 19, PT Timah has now sent 88 students from Bangka Island to their hometowns in Belitung. The send-off event took place at Graha Timah Pangkalpinang on Wednesday (March 26, 2025).
Participants in PT Timah's "Safe Homecoming, Arriving at Destination" program traveled by sea from Pangkalbalam Port to Tanjung Pandan Port, Belitung Regency.
The Chairman of the Belitung Student and Family Association (IKPB) Bangka Branch, Devan, highlighted the overwhelming enthusiasm for the free homecoming program, as shown by the high number of registrants.
"Around 400 people registered, showing how eager students were to join. Because of the high demand, we had to prioritize those in the greatest need," he explained.
He hopes that the quota for participants will be increased next year, as the program significantly helps students save on travel costs.
"I hope they can increase the quota in the future. Since our semester break is short, this program makes it worthwhile to go home," he added.
Similarly, Kaiyisah Nadiya Hafizah, a student at Poltekkes Kemenkes Pangkalpinang from Perawas Village, Tanjung Pandan District, expressed her joy in joining PT Timah’s 2025 Free Homecoming Program.
"I'm very grateful to PT Timah. At first, I didn’t have high expectations, but it turned out to be an amazing experience! I made new connections, received food and clothing—it helps students like us save money on homecoming costs," she said.
Likewise, Iren Ajeng, a student at Bangka Belitung University from Buding Village, Kelapa Kampit District, East Belitung Regency, emphasized how beneficial the program was during the peak Eid homecoming season.
"This program is extremely helpful, especially during Eid when travel demand is high, making tickets hard to find. It also eases the financial burden on our parents," she explained.
She hopes that PT Timah continues this program in the coming years with an increased quota for participants.
"We hope this program continues every year and that PT Timah increases the number of slots. Wishing PT Timah continued success!" she concluded. (*)
