PANGKALPINANG -- PT TIMAH Tbk continues to strengthen its commitment to preserving the traditions and culture of the communities within the company’s operational areas. PT TIMAH Tbk is present not only as an industrial entity but also as a cultural partner dedicated to safeguarding the sustainability of local values.
Operating in a region rich in traditions and local wisdom, PT TIMAH Tbk consistently supports cultural and traditional activities as part of its efforts to preserve local identity.
For many years, PT TIMAH Tbk has played an active role in supporting various traditional events in mining communities. As a member of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding, the company has supported numerous community traditions, from the Ketupat War and the Setana Jering Traditional Ceremony to religious celebrations that hold historical and spiritual significance for local residents.
One example of PT TIMAH Tbk’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation is its support for the development of the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village, a cultural center for the Mapur Indigenous Community, one of the native tribes of Bangka Island. This cultural village serves as a space for preserving traditions and educating younger generations about their history, life values, and local wisdom.
In collaboration with the Mapur Indigenous Council, PT TIMAH Tbk continues to develop this area through cultural preservation, community empowerment, and the development of historical tourism.
Asih Harmoko, Chairman of the Mapur Indigenous Council, said that since 2021 PT TIMAH Tbk has been working with them to preserve indigenous culture. In 2022, the company built the Gebong Memarong Cultural Village, which has now become a tourist destination.
“PT TIMAH Tbk has not only supported the preservation of our traditions and culture and the physical development of the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village, but has also empowered the community through training, such as local tour guide workshops, handicraft training for women’s groups, and batik-making,” he said.
According to Asih, PT TIMAH Tbk also supports traditional practices such as the Nuju Jerami ceremony. He hopes that this synergy will continue because cultural preservation efforts have already created economic benefits for the community.
“We hope PT TIMAH Tbk will continue working with us to protect and preserve our cultural traditions. These preservation efforts have supported community development in Air Abik Hamlet through economic opportunities, tourism, and historical education,” he said.
PT TIMAH Tbk also consistently supports the annual Rebo Pusaka Setana Jering Amantubillah Ritual held at the Jering Traditional House in Pelangas Village, Simpang Teritip District, West Bangka Regency.
The Pertua (Leader) of Setana Jering Amantubillah, Dr. Sardi, expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH Tbk’s ongoing support for the ceremony.
“We are very grateful because PT TIMAH Tbk has never tired of supporting our activities. In recent years, the company has always been there to help carry out this traditional ritual,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bangka Belitung historian and cultural expert Akhmad Elvian stated that through its Corporate Social Responsibility programs, PT TIMAH Tbk has actively supported the Regional Government in efforts to preserve local culture.
“PT TIMAH Tbk’s support is especially seen in the protection, development, and utilization of the Ten Objects of Cultural Advancement and cultural heritage,” Elvian said.
He added that in the preservation of customs and traditions, PT TIMAH Tbk consistently provides facilitation and support to ensure traditional practices continue to grow and thrive in the community, preventing them from fading away and helping with the revitalization of cultural traditions.
“In the field of cultural heritage, PT TIMAH Tbk has gradually rehabilitated historical assets that hold significant heritage value and have the potential to become cultural heritage sites, ensuring they serve as living monuments and important sites in both regional and national history,” he concluded. (*)
