PANGKALPINANG -- Batik is not just beautifully patterned fabric, but a cultural heritage that holds stories, philosophies, and the identity of the Indonesian nation. Every piece of batik carries values of life and local wisdom passed down through generations.
Indonesia has hundreds of batik motifs across different regions, each reflecting the richness of local culture. This includes the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, where various batik motifs represent the wealth, culture, and local wisdom of its people.
To this day, batik artisans in Bangka Belitung continue to showcase the beauty of the "Negeri Serumpun Sebalai" through batik fabric. PT Timah Tbk plays a role in supporting cultural preservation and empowering the local economy through support programs for batik artisans in its operational areas.
More than just a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, PT Timah’s initiative is a concrete form of commitment to empowering women's groups and promoting intangible cultural heritage through batik fabric motifs.
PT Timah Tbk supports several batik artisan groups in its operational areas, such as the Simpangkatis Hand-Drawn Batik Group (known as Batik Tulis Pakkis), Batik Sepiak in Belitung Regency, and Sanggar Batik De Simpor in East Belitung.
Through guidance, training, and business mentoring, PT Timah strives to help local batik artisans improve their skills, enhance product quality, and expand their market. This support is expected to foster economic independence, particularly among women who are the main driving force behind the batik craft.
The batik artisans supported by PT Timah Tbk have created various batik motifs inspired by the natural and cultural richness of Bangka Belitung, ranging from flora and fauna to the region’s iconic natural resource—tin. This has become an effective way to introduce the region’s cultural potential to the wider public, even at the national level.
Siti Dawiyah, Chairperson of the Batik Pakkis Group, said they have been a PT Timah Tbk partner since 2021. They have developed batik motifs such as tin blocks, pitcher plants, pepper leaves, fern leaves, pelawan honey, and others.
They also apply various batik-making techniques including hand-drawn (canting), stamped (cap), and written (tulis) methods. Currently, the group has 10 active women members involved in batik production.
Siti Dawiyah explained that they not only focus on batik fabric, but also produce various other items such as clothing, prayer garments (mukena), accessories, and more—all while maintaining batik elements.
"Being a partner of PT Timah has brought us many benefits, not only in terms of capital support to develop various batik products, but also by providing tools, increasing production capacity, and helping us promote our products through exhibitions," she said recently.
According to Siti Dawiyah, PT Timah continues to support the marketing of their batik products through the TINS Gallery.
"We are also often invited to exhibitions at both local and national levels to promote our products. On this Batik Day, we hope that batik artisans continue to preserve and advance this tradition," she added.
Meanwhile, PT Timah Tbk's Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, said that supporting batik artisans not only preserves cultural heritage but also empowers women.
Through batik-making skills, they can contribute to their family income while also preserving the cultural identity of their region.
"This support program for batik artisans is part of the company’s strategy to integrate economic, social, and cultural aspects. The support is expected to provide economic benefits while also preserving culture as part of the nation's identity," Anggi concluded.
