WEST BANGKA -- Efforts to prevent stunting and ensure optimal child growth and development continue through cross-sector collaboration. PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk, together with the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) of Bangka Belitung Islands Province and the West Bangka Regency Population Control, Family Planning, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (P2KBP3A), provided early childhood parenting support for parents and caregivers.
The support was delivered through the Taman Asuh Sayang Anak (TAMASYA) program, held at PT TIMAH’s Wisma Sriwijaya in Mentok, West Bangka, on Friday (August 21, 2026). The program is part of a joint effort to improve parents’ and caregivers’ understanding of quality, positive, and child-friendly parenting practices.
The activity was attended by PT TIMAH’s Division Head of Processing and Refinery, Head of the Family Development, Population and Family Planning (KSPK) Team of the BKKBN Representative Office for Bangka Belitung Islands Province Drs. Zuwaldi Batubara, and Head of the West Bangka Regency P2KBP3A Agency Sarbudiyono. The program also featured speakers from the fields of pediatrics and child psychology.
The parenting support aims to strengthen the capacity and competence of parents and caregivers in understanding children’s growth and development. This understanding is expected to encourage the implementation of appropriate parenting practices from an early age, while serving as a preventive measure to support children’s developmental needs and help prevent stunting.
Head of the West Bangka Regency P2KBP3A Agency Sarbudiyono said young children require significant attention from all parties, especially their families.
"Young children need tremendous attention from everyone, especially their families. The most fundamental form of education begins at home. A child’s educational success is greatly influenced by their parents," he said.
According to him, parental involvement is essential because the family is the first environment in which children develop their character, habits, and overall growth.
"It was therefore appropriate to invite parents because their role is so significant. A child’s success is greatly influenced by the involvement and guidance provided by their parents," he said.
He also expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s support for the TAMASYA program in West Bangka. According to him, synergy among the government, business sector, families, and educational institutions is needed to create a safe and supportive environment for children’s growth and development.
"Thank you to PT TIMAH for its tremendous support for the TAMASYA program. PT TIMAH has helped the West Bangka Regency Government collaborate with the BKKBN Representative Office for Bangka Belitung Islands Province to provide parents and caregivers with knowledge and guidance on childcare and parenting," he said.
Sarbudiyono hopes the collaboration can continue to be strengthened to prevent various issues that may hinder children’s growth and development, including violence and bullying.
"We want to work together to provide an understanding of the best parenting practices for our children. They are the next generation. When their character is shaped and nurtured properly from the beginning, through collaboration, we hope to produce a better generation in the future," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the KSPK Team of the BKKBN Representative Office for Bangka Belitung Islands Province Drs. Zuwaldi Batubara expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s contribution to programs related to children’s growth and development.
"PT TIMAH has made an outstanding contribution to supporting children’s growth and development. Its contribution extends beyond West Bangka and can be seen across Bangka Belitung Islands Province," he said.
According to Zuwaldi, PT TIMAH’s support extends beyond the TAMASYA program. The Company also contributes to several other BKKBN programs targeting various groups within the community.
"In addition to the Taman Asuh Sayang Anak (TAMASYA) program, PT TIMAH also supports other BKKBN programs, including the Empowered Elderly Program, youth programs, and other initiatives," he explained.
He said support from the business sector, including PT TIMAH, is important in strengthening government programs that directly address community needs.
"The leadership and team at PT TIMAH have been extremely supportive and understand what the community needs firsthand," he said. (*)
