PANGKALPINANG -- PT TIMAH Tbk continues to accelerate efforts to enable the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDKMP) to become a business partner in the company’s mining operations. This commitment was realized by holding Mining Competency Training for the Merah Putih Cooperative.
A total of 20 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives within PT TIMAH Tbk’s operational areas participated in the training, which featured speakers from the Bangka Belitung Office of Cooperatives and SMEs, the Bangka Belitung Energy and Mineral Resources Office, and the Bangka Belitung Investment and One-Stop Service Office. The training took place at PT TIMAH Tbk’s Main Meeting Room on Monday, November 17, 2025.
This training is a strategic step taken by PT TIMAH Tbk to enhance the capacity and knowledge of KDKMP members so they can meet administrative requirements to conduct mining service activities.
In addition to training, the activity also served as a forum for discussion among cooperative members, government agencies, and PT TIMAH Tbk regarding the readiness and challenges cooperatives face in realizing mining service operations.
Sopiar, Head of Cooperatives at the Bangka Belitung Office of Cooperatives and SMEs, said that the 20 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives attending the event are being prioritized to speed up the fulfillment of administrative requirements needed to begin mining service operations.
To start mining service activities, he said, cooperatives must have the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) code 09900, which must be included in the cooperative’s Articles of Association and Bylaws.
“This is a joint synergy and effort to accelerate KDKMP’s ability to conduct mining service activities and eventually partner with PT TIMAH Tbk. Of the 20 cooperatives here today, 7 already have KBLI 09900, and we are pushing the remaining 13 to accelerate their administrative requirements so they can apply for an IUJP,” Sopiar said.
He added that moving forward, the number of cooperatives will continue to grow, as PT TIMAH Tbk holds extensive mining business permits (IUP) that can empower more communities through cooperatives.
“This is only 20 cooperatives; we will continue to increase the number. We are committed to helping cooperatives meet administrative requirements, including improving the skills of cooperative managers through training. We will facilitate capacity building and focus on administrative compliance so they can meet all requirements,” he said.
Meanwhile, Noprial Riady, Analyst for Mineral and Coal Business Services at the Bangka Belitung ESDM Office, explained that cooperatives can apply for a Mining Service Business License (IUJP) once they meet administrative and technical requirements.
“There are several requirements to obtain an IUJP, such as administrative requirements like a Business Identification Number (NIB) and other legal documents, as well as technical requirements like mining equipment and certified mining experts. It’s not difficult because everything is regulated. As long as regulations are followed, everything can be completed,” he said.
“I believe this is not hard if there is genuine intention to advance our region. This is part of improving governance and empowering local communities. When people are empowered, they develop a sense of ownership, which helps protect their own area,” he added.
He expressed optimism that once KDKMP fulfills administrative and technical requirements, community miners under the cooperative will be able to work legally rather than sporadically.
“So far, people have been mining sporadically in various spots without regard for whether they are entering forest areas or HGU land. With cooperatives having data on which areas are allowed for mining and which are not, they can guide miners to comply with regulations. Everything will be based on contracts and legality. In Bangka Belitung, most mineral reserves are within PT TIMAH Tbk’s areas, so if this succeeds, it can bridge local communities to participate legally in mining,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muntama, Chairman of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Gunung Muda, Belinyu District, Bangka Regency, said he is very grateful for the training, which helps improve their competence so the cooperative can soon manage mining service activities.
“We are very grateful for this training because it enhances our knowledge. It helps us prepare to manage mining operations, and we learned that there are still several administrative requirements we need to complete,” he said.
He hopes PT TIMAH Tbk and the Provincial Government will continue assisting them in meeting administrative requirements, including amending the notarial deed so the cooperative can officially manage mining services.
“Our area has many PT TIMAH Tbk mining permits, and many of our residents work as miners and are now cooperative members. We hope we can quickly complete the administrative process and other requirements,” he said.
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