PANGKALPINANG -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to strengthen its commitment to education through the Pemali Boarding School (PBS) Scholarship Program at SMAN 1 Pemali, Bangka Regency.
Through this program, the company not only provides access to education but also develops students’ character, leadership, and independence through a comprehensive mentoring process.
In 2025, a total of 107 scholarship recipients live in dormitories while studying at SMAN 1 Pemali. These students come from various operational areas of the company and were selected through a rigorous screening process.
To enhance students’ competitiveness, PT TIMAH introduced the MINDucation Learning Support Program, a collaboration between MIND ID, PT TIMAH Tbk, and Ruangguru. The program is designed for 11th and 12th grade students as a continuation of the previous year’s development initiatives.
Academic mentoring is also strengthened through additional Mathematics lessons, English Class and Global Communication, coaching for the National Science Olympiad (OSN), the Indonesian Student Research Competition, the Four Pillars Quiz Competition, English speech contests, as well as preparation for university admissions through SNBP and college readiness guidance.
Psychological guidance and college preparation programs are also provided to ensure students are mentally ready to pursue higher education.
Students receive inspiration through alumni sharing sessions, including graduates currently studying at Institut Teknologi Bandung, as well as the Alumni Teaching Program, where senior students share their experiences.
Character building is a key pillar of the Pemali Boarding School program. Various activities are held, including stunting prevention classes for teenagers as part of the Kemunting Program, inspirational classes with leaders from MIND ID and PT Timah, sharing sessions with the P Project Community, book donations, and sessions with the CSR, Human Capital, and alumni associations.
Community-building activities such as mutual cooperation projects, Independence Day celebrations, and parent cooking competitions further strengthen the sense of family among students.
As part of hands-on learning, students manage a Dormitory Garden by utilizing vacant land to cultivate food crops. This initiative supports food security while also serving as an entrepreneurship learning platform. Students also receive training in biofloc technology as an introduction to modern aquaculture.
Local cultural preservation is promoted through cultural games, including traditional activities such as jump rope and sembilun. In sports, the Weekend League (LIPAN) is organized.
During Ramadan, students participate in creative and charitable activities such as distributing iftar snacks, cleaning mosques, and delivering short sermons before breaking the fast.
To broaden their knowledge, students join field trips to the Museum Timah Indonesia Mentok and Pantai Tanjung Kalian. These visits provide insights into the history of tin mining as well as coastal environmental education.
As part of the program’s sustainability, PT TIMAH also conducts student admissions tests across its operational areas to recruit new candidates.
The Pemali Boarding School Program represents PT TIMAH’s tangible contribution to developing high-quality human resources in Bangka Belitung. Through an approach that integrates academics, character building, culture, and independence, the company hopes that scholarship recipients will not only excel academically but also become a generation ready to contribute to their region and the nation.
One student, Naurah Ashir, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the programs provided by PT TIMAH.
“These activities have had a positive impact on us by motivating us to improve our achievements and shaping us into honest and responsible individuals,” she said.
She shared that living in the dormitory has helped her become more responsible and disciplined, adapt to new environments, and enjoy a conducive learning atmosphere.
“We are always supported to achieve both academically and non-academically. The strong alumni network helps build connections, the dormitory facilities create a comfortable learning environment, and most importantly, it prepares me to face college in the future,” said the 12th-grade student.
Similarly, Ares Mahesa noted that the Pemali Boarding School Program provides various supporting facilities such as English courses, Ruangguru tutoring, musical instruments, and other resources that support both academic and non-academic growth.
“The program also provides an organization that serves as a platform for students to develop leadership skills and strengthen their character,” he said.
He added that one of the most significant impacts has been the major improvement in character, as students are taught to be independent, disciplined, diligent, and creative.
“Through this program, all of my needs—such as school supplies, uniforms, meals, allowance, and even a laptop that I once doubted I could have—are fulfilled here. The English and Ruangguru tutoring facilities have also helped improve my academic performance,” he concluded.
