PANGKALPINANG -- To support fishermen's activities in the company's operational areas, PT Timah Tbk disburses social responsibility programs to fishermen groups.
Assistance in the form of fishing equipment, increasing business advice for fishermen groups, and repairing fishing boats are expected to increase fishermen's catches so that they have an impact on improving the fishermen's group's economy.
In addition, PT Timah Tbk also provides social security in the form of Employment BPJS for fishermen groups. This member of the MIND ID mining industry holding also often helps fishermen who experience sea accidents.
Throughout 2022, PT Timah Tbk handed over various assistance to fishermen groups both in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and in the Riau Islands Province.
The assistance provided included fishing gear in the form of outboard engines, ketinting engines, boat engines, fishing gear in the form of wire traps and fish finders, and fishing nets. As well as boat repair assistance and infrastructure facilities for the development of fishing businesses.
PT Timah Tbk's commitment to supporting fishermen groups is part of the company's efforts to boost the economy of fishing communities.
The chairman of KUB Harapan Baru Kampung Tengah, Sawang Village, Kundur Barat District, Sabirin said their group received hundreds of nets from PT Timah Tbk.
Sabirin appreciates PT Timah Tbk for providing this assistance so that group members have more appropriate fishing gear.
The KUB Harapan Baru Kampung Tengah group consists of ten traditional fishermen who usually catch shrimp around the Sawang and Kundur Seas.
He said the income of group members was barely enough to meet their daily needs. Meanwhile, buying nets is still a bit heavy.
"When the season is like now, the weather is also unfriendly and given the relatively high risk, sometimes we don't dare to go out. The condition of many members' nets is weathered and not suitable for use, so when used to catch the results are also not optimal," he said.
Meanwhile, the Fisherman Head of Sawang Village, Kundur Barat District, Satar, expressed his gratitude for PT Timah Tbk's support and attention to the fishing community.
"I, as the Chairperson of the Sawang Village Fisherman, would like to thank PT Timah for the assistance that has been given to fishermen groups, especially in this Sawang Village. Hopefully, in the future the company can continue to contribute to the community," he said.
Similarly, fishermen from Tanjung Gudang, Mantung Village, Belinyu District, Bangka Regency also feel grateful for the 9.8 PK outboard engine assistance for themselves and five of their colleagues.
Ariansyah said he had been a fisherman for decades, but he had problems going to sea. The reason is, the machine they have is often damaged. Even he sometimes can not go to sea because the engine is broken.
"Sometimes, if you want to go to sea, you cancel it because the engine doesn't start. I feel tired of fixing it," he said.
He is grateful to get the outboard engine assistance from PT Timah Tbk so he can go to sea in peace.
"I am very happy to have been assisted by PT Timah. Thank God, with the help of this machine, is very helpful. With this new engine, I will be able to go further out to sea, and of course, I won't be worried about any more damage," he said.
Likewise Feriyandi (35), a resident of Jalan Pahlawan 12, Air Jukung Village, Belinyu District, also feel helped by the help of an outboard engine from PT tin Tbk.
He said the assistance of the 9.8 PK machine could make it easier for them to make a living. Because before, he only had a 3.5 PK engine.
"From the Bunting river to our location at sea, it took almost 1 hour using the old engine, but using the 9.8 PK engine it only took 25 minutes. Very much difference. Apart from that, the machine provided by PT Timah has great power and is also economical," he said. (**)
