WEST BANGKA -- As part of its efforts to support regional development in areas surrounding its operations, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to support the development of public facilities and infrastructure, including in Cupat Village, Parittiga District, West Bangka Regency.
One of PT TIMAH’s contributions has been the development of the Mihrab Monument area, which has become one of the landmarks of Cupat Village. Previously, PT TIMAH also supported the construction of the Mihrab Monument.
The facility is now being further developed through repairs to the monument, which had sustained damage, as well as improvements to the surrounding garden area to make it more organized and provide broader benefits for the community. With PT TIMAH’s support, the Mihrab Monument area is expected to serve not only as a village landmark but also as a public space that provides greater benefits for residents.
Cupat Village Head Gegha Khris Kharishma said the development of the Mihrab Monument was not merely aimed at improving the appearance of the existing facility, but also at transforming it into a more organized public space that could benefit the community.
"PT TIMAH built this monument several years ago. Now, we are making it more attractive again, including repairing the damaged parts and developing the surrounding area into a garden with support from PT TIMAH," Gegha said.
According to him, the garden surrounding the monument serves a broader purpose. In addition to improving the appearance of the area in front of the village office, the garden is expected to encourage residents to become more aware of and care for the environment around village facilities.
Gegha explained that the Mihrab Monument is located along a road with a curve that is considered potentially hazardous for road users. Therefore, the development of the garden is also expected to encourage drivers to slow down when passing through the area, making it safer.
"This area is prone to accidents because of the curve in the road. With the garden in place, we hope drivers will slow down when passing through, making the area safer as well," he said.
Gegha said the Mihrab Monument holds special significance for Cupat Village and is expected to become one of the village’s landmarks. The monument’s shape, which resembles a mining dredge bucket, reflects the area’s long history with tin mining activities.
"We hope this Mihrab Monument will become an icon of Cupat Village. Its shape also represents a mining dredge bucket, which is closely associated with the history of tin mining in this area," he explained.
Looking ahead, the village government is also exploring opportunities to develop the area into a more productive public space. One initiative involves engaging local women’s groups through the development of a Family Medicinal Plant Garden, known locally as Taman Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA).
"In the future, we hope members of the Family Welfare Empowerment group (PKK) can help maintain and develop this garden. For example, they could create a medicinal plant garden so that this area will not simply be an ordinary garden, but also provide practical benefits to the community," he said.
Gegha believes that developing the Mihrab Monument area will provide greater benefits than having the monument stand alone. With the addition of a garden and open space, the area could become a more attractive place for residents to visit.
"We are very grateful for the support because if it were just a monument, its use would certainly be limited. With the garden, this area could eventually become a tourist attraction or a gathering place for the community," he said.
For Gegha, the garden is also a way to foster a sense of ownership among residents toward the facilities in their neighborhood. He believes that when the community is involved in maintaining and caring for public facilities, sustainable development becomes easier to achieve.
"When there is a garden, people can help take care of it and develop a sense of ownership. When everyone feels responsible for maintaining it, there will naturally be a stronger sense of responsibility. Residents can also help keep an eye on the area," he said.
He expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s support in developing public facilities and infrastructure in Cupat Village. According to him, the Company’s support helps the village government optimize facilities that have historical significance as well as practical benefits for the community.
The Mihrab Monument is not the only facility in Cupat Village with a historical connection to PT TIMAH. The Cupat Village Office also has its own history. The building currently used as the village office was formerly a hospital owned by PT TIMAH.
"This village office used to be a hospital owned by PT TIMAH. Today, we have optimized the building as a village office and a public service facility for the community," Gegha said.
He hopes that the synergy among the village government, community, and Company will continue in developing village facilities and infrastructure.
Through the development of the Mihrab Monument and its surrounding area, Cupat Village is not only working to improve its appearance but also developing a facility that serves multiple functions, including as a social space, a road safety measure, a public area, and a potential tourism destination. (*)
