PANGKALPINANG -- The existence of indigenous peoples gives harmony in the social strata of society. Maintaining the presence of indigenous peoples is part of PT Timah Tbk's efforts to carry out cultural preservation.
PT Timah Tbk takes a unique role and pays attention to programs that have ethnic nuances and carries a sense of care for cultural assets and local wisdom by supporting community institutions including supporting the Mapur Customary Institution.
One of PT Timah Tbk's efforts to maintain the existence of indigenous peoples is by presenting the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village. PT Timah Tbk and the community in Air Abik Hamlet, Gunung Muda Village, Riau Silip District, Bangka Regency, and the Mapur Traditional Institution built the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village.
The presence of the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village is an effort to maintain the local cultural heritage of the Mapur indigenous people. Memarong is a typical house of the Mapur indigenous people. But over time this house began to be challenging to find. For this reason, PT Timah Tbk is committed to supporting the preservation of the customs of the Mapur indigenous people.
The Gebong Memarong Traditional Village has begun to be opened for people who want to learn about and get to know the customs of the Mapur indigenous people. In addition to the typical houses, there is also an introduction to the crafts of the Mapur indigenous people.
PT Timah Tbk's efforts to build public and socio-cultural infrastructure in a sustainable and integrated manner are in line with the SDGs principles. The development of cultural objects based on cultural heritage sources is an effective means of preserving and caring for the culture and local wisdom of the community. Through the presence of the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village, this is an Indigenous Community Development and Empowerment program that is expected to increase the economic independence of the Mapur people in Air Abik Hamlet.
To boost the economy of indigenous peoples, PT Timah Tbk also provides training on making eco-print batik and training on making crafts for the people in Air Abik Hamlet. PT Timah Tbk even handed over two units of Non-Machine Weaving Equipment (ATBM).
Not only building the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village, but PT Timah Tbk also often participates in supporting activities to preserve the customs, culture, and local wisdom of the people in the company's operational areas.
Recently, PT Timah Tbk also supported the Jering Culture Festival which was held in Pelangas Village, West Bangka Regency. PT Timah Tbk also frequently supports Ketupat War activities in Tempilang Village, West Bangka. Seven Likur activities in Mancung Village and Ruahan Traditional Traditions in Pusuk Village.
The customary leader of Air Abik Atok Usang Gedoy said that before they only dreamed of building Gebong Memarong so they could introduce the young generation where the mapur indigenous people live.
"Initially, only one Memarong was built from self-help communities. We want to build this because we want to introduce to the community and young people this is how traditional houses are with the various activities of our parents. So that they know and do not forget this local wisdom," said the man who often Abok called in an interview some time ago.
Abok said they were very enthusiastic and happy when PT Timah Tbk role to help realize their dream of building the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village which consists of seven Memarongs.
Seven Memarong ridges are to be made in the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village, namely four Memarongs that will be used for lodging, one Memarong for a gallery, one for a museum, and one for a traditional hall.
The Gebong Memarong Traditional Village will also become a training center for indigenous peoples to make handicrafts, traditional medicine, and various local wisdoms that are still being preserved.
"PT Timah Tbk has been extraordinary in realizing our dream of having the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village. Apart from being assisted for development, the community is trained in making crafts with the help of non-woven machine tools and other coaching programs," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Mapur Asih Harmoko Traditional Institute, his party highly appreciates PT Timah Tbk, which supports the preservation of customs so that the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village is built.
"Starting from scratch, PT Timah Tbk supported and coached us so that we can be what we are today. It only remains for us to develop it with what PT Timah Tbk has built. So that this can continue to live and have an economic impact on our society," he said.
According to Asih, the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village will be developed to support the economy of indigenous peoples.
"Later it will be opened and we will develop it. For example for various activities such as training in making crafts. Then we are also ready to welcome tourists who want to get to know the customs of the Mapur people," said Asih. (**)
