JAKARTA -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to support efforts to expand market access and promote products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bangka Belitung Islands Province. One such initiative is bringing its supported business partners to Babel Day, held from August 12–16, 2026, at the Main Atrium of Trans Studio Mall Cibubur, West Java.
The event serves as a promotional platform for several MSMEs supported by PT TIMAH to showcase a variety of distinctive Bangka Belitung products to consumers outside the region. The products featured include culinary products and fashion items.
For the participating MSMEs, taking part in the exhibition is not solely focused on sales. They also use the opportunity to strengthen their brands, build networks, and educate visitors about the stories and philosophies behind their local products.
One of the PT TIMAH-supported business partners participating in the event is Sepiak Belitung. The MSME brought a variety of products, including batik fabrics, vases, outerwear, and scarves.
Feby from Sepiak Belitung said there was strong interest from visitors, particularly people from Bangka Belitung who live in Jakarta. She said the exhibition provided significant benefits in terms of promotion and brand building.
"It was quite busy, especially with people originally from Bangka Belitung. In terms of sales, the exhibition has not been particularly busy, but it has been very helpful for branding and promotion because we have been able to meet new visitors," Feby said.
According to her, meeting consumers directly gives MSME owners an opportunity to explain the identity and philosophy behind each product. This adds value because visitors not only see the products but also learn about the culture and natural heritage of Bangka Belitung.
One of the motifs introduced by Sepiak Belitung is the simpor leaf motif, which has become a distinctive feature of its batik products. The philosophy and characteristics of the simpor leaf are part of the stories shared with visitors.
"Our motifs have continued to evolve. We have a satam stone motif, and we have also collaborated on a product featuring this motif," she said.
Feby said in-person exhibitions are particularly helpful because potential customers can see the quality of the products firsthand, including the materials, textures, colors, and details that cannot always be fully showcased through social media.
"This is very helpful because we can directly demonstrate the quality of our products while also sharing their stories and educating visitors about their philosophy. There are opportunities to meet not only local tourists but also international visitors," she said.
For this reason, Feby hopes promotional events such as Babel Day will continue to be held and further developed, as they provide regional MSMEs with opportunities to introduce their products to wider markets.
"In my opinion, it is important for events like this to continue to grow. Without events like these, our products would be more widely known only in the region. Through exhibitions like this, more people can get to know Bangka Belitung. Thank you to PT TIMAH for providing us with this opportunity," she said.
Meanwhile, Siti Dawiyah, another PT TIMAH-supported business partner who owns the Batik Pakis brand, also used Babel Day to introduce traditional batik products from Bangka Belitung. Siti Dawiyah said she brought a variety of products, including batik fabrics, clothing, scarves, stanjak traditional headwear, and skirts.
In terms of sales, Siti said she had already secured transactions during the exhibition.
According to Siti, the opportunity to participate in exhibitions outside the region is very helpful for MSMEs in introducing their products to new consumers.
"It is certainly very helpful for promotion because people from outside the region can get to know Bangka Belitung batik. We are also very grateful for the opportunity to sell our products outside the region," she said.
Siti added that Batik Pakis had previously participated in an exhibition facilitated by PT TIMAH in Solo about four years ago. She expressed her appreciation for PT TIMAH’s continued efforts to support MSMEs. (*)
