SOUTH BANGKA -- The community showed overwhelming enthusiasm for the free mass circumcision program organized by PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk as part of its 50th Anniversary celebration in South Bangka Regency. The program, which was originally prepared for 100 children, exceeded expectations, with a total of 111 children participating in the mass circumcision held at PT TIMAH’s South Bangka Area Office in Toboali, South Bangka Regency, on Thursday (July 30, 2026).
The mass circumcision program is part of PT TIMAH’s 50th Anniversary Community Service Month, which carries the theme "Tin for the People." The program is being held across the Company’s operational areas as a demonstration of its commitment to caring for communities while delivering direct benefits to the public.
The high level of public interest was evident from the large number of parents who brought their children to participate in the program. Although the number of participants exceeded the initial quota, all children were still accommodated and received the circumcision service free of charge.
South Bangka Deputy Regent Debby Vita Dewi expressed her appreciation for the program. According to her, the strong public participation reflects the positive response to PT TIMAH’s social initiatives because they directly address the needs of the community.
"I truly admire PT TIMAH because its sense of social responsibility is so genuine. These activities deeply touch the hearts of our community, and they are held every year. On behalf of the regional government, we highly appreciate this excellent program," said Debby.
She also expressed her delight at seeing the enthusiasm of parents who brought their children to participate in the mass circumcision. In fact, the number of participants reached 111 children, exceeding the initial target of 100.
"The target was only 100 participants, but 111 children wanted to join. Even so, PT TIMAH was able to accommodate them all," she added.
The excitement was also shared by Emelia, one of the parents. She said she was happy that her seven-year-old son was able to participate in the mass circumcision.
According to her, the circumcision process went smoothly, and her son remained calm throughout the procedure. Moreover, participating in the circumcision was her son's own decision.
"We're very happy. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly. My son wasn't fussy because it was actually his own request to be circumcised. That made us feel much more at ease," said Emelia.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Megawati, who accompanied her 10-year-old son, Akai. She admitted feeling nervous before the procedure began.
"It was a mix of happiness and nervousness. I was the one who was nervous. But once it was over, I felt relieved," said Megawati.
Akai himself showed great courage after completing the procedure. He even encouraged other children not to be afraid of getting circumcised.
"To anyone who wants to get circumcised, don't be afraid. Be brave and go for it," Akai said.
For Megawati, the free mass circumcision program organized by PT TIMAH also provided significant financial relief. Amid the rising cost of living, the service helped reduce her family's expenses.
"Yes, it really eases the financial burden in times like these. I'm truly grateful that PT TIMAH holds this program every year. It has been a tremendous help for me personally," she said.
Toboali Village Head Nadi Martika also noted that the mass circumcision program helped ease the financial burden on families. According to him, paying for circumcision independently can become an additional expense for many households.
"Through this mass circumcision program, families receive real assistance, and it certainly helps reduce their financial burden. If they had to pay for it themselves, it would have been an additional economic burden," he said.
Nadi also praised PT TIMAH's consistency in delivering various social programs for the people of South Bangka.
"From year to year, I have seen that PT TIMAH's consistency has never changed. The Company's support for the people of South Bangka Regency has been extraordinary, and its contributions have been remarkable," he said.
As PT TIMAH celebrates its 50th anniversary, Nadi expressed hope that the Company would continue strengthening its collaboration with the regional government and the community so that its social programs could deliver even greater benefits.
"My hope is that PT TIMAH will continue to grow stronger and more successful, continue collaborating, and continue helping develop our communities here in South Bangka. May its programs always provide meaningful benefits to the people," he said. (*)
