BELITUNG TIMUR – The KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari group continues to grow and thrive as one of the salt suppliers on Belitung Island, in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
The success of KUPS Garam Mudong, located in Padang Village, Manggar District, East Belitung Regency, cannot be separated from the support provided by PT Timah Tbk.
Ahar Tony, Chairman of KUPS Garam Mudong, shared that their business faced many challenges in its early stages. However, thanks to PT Timah Tbk’s support, the venture that was on the brink of collapse has now flourished and brought positive impacts to the surrounding community.
The members of KUPS Garam Mudong endured both the highs and lows, including severe damage to their salt plots caused by natural factors and limited facilities. These conditions nearly drove them to give up. Without adequate assistance, their business might have ceased operations. However, their determination and will to persevere pushed them to find solutions.
They expressed gratitude for PT Timah Tbk’s presence and assistance, which enabled their business to not only survive but also thrive.
According to Ahar, PT Timah Tbk’s support went beyond financial aid; the company also provided guidance and moral support to reignite their spirit.
“The initial assistance from PT Timah was used to repair damaged salt plots, purchase pump machines, and other supporting infrastructure. This aid opened new opportunities for our group to resume production and sustain our operations. Without this support, KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari might have struggled to recover,” he said.
With renewed energy and support, their business began to expand.
“After receiving assistance from PT Timah, we increased our production from about one ton per month to two tons. Although challenges remain, we feel more optimistic about moving forward,” said Ahar Tony with gratitude.
KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari doesn’t plan to stop at this achievement. Ahar Tony revealed that they have big plans to further develop the salt business.
“We hope to receive more support to expand the number of plots and increase our production capacity. If we can add up to 20 plots, we’re confident this business will grow significantly and bring even greater benefits to the local community,” Ahar explained with hope.
One of the biggest challenges faced by KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari is the extreme weather conditions often occurring in the area. Heavy rains and floods slow down the salt harvesting process. However, with relentless determination and support from PT Timah, they have overcome many of these challenges.
The success of KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari has also boosted the local economy. More residents have started exploring the potential of salt production in the region.
“With this business, people around here are now more aware of the salt production potential in our area. Previously, many doubted whether this region could produce salt, but now they see that we can produce high-quality salt,” Ahar explained.
Looking ahead, Ahar hopes that the growing business will create more job opportunities for the local community.
“Currently, it’s just the two of us working, along with a few group members. However, we hope to create more jobs for the local community in the future,” Ahar said.
He expressed his hope that PT Timah will continue to mentor their group to help them grow further and deliver economic benefits to the community by leveraging local potential.
“We hope PT Timah will continue to guide us, not only with financial assistance but also through training and business development. We’re confident that with more training, our business can grow even faster. The moral and material support provided by PT Timah means a lot to us. Hopefully, we can continue to develop and bring greater benefits to the community,” Ahar said.
KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari is proof that with an unyielding spirit, the right support, and determination to grow, a small business can rise from adversity and achieve success.
The collaboration between PT Timah and KUPS Garam Mudong Lestari represents a form of community empowerment carried out by this member of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding to develop local potential and deliver economic value to the community. (*)
