WEST BANGKA — The celebration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia has provided an opportunity for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in West Bangka Regency to boost sales while introducing their products to the public.
This initiative was supported by PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk in collaboration with the West Bangka Regency Office of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade (DKUP), which provided business space for MSME operators to sell their products at the former PT TIMAH Golf Course area on Thursday (August 20, 2026).
A number of MSME operators from various business groups took advantage of the large crowds attending the series of events commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, including a walking event, to sell a variety of food, beverages, and accessories.
Head of the West Bangka Regency DKUP, Miwani, said that the Independence Day celebration could serve as an opportunity to stimulate the local economy, particularly for local MSME operators.
She explained that DKUP West Bangka, together with PT TIMAH, sought to involve various business operators, including MSMEs assisted by DKUP, MSMEs assisted by PT TIMAH, and other entrepreneurs, by providing them with opportunities to sell their products in areas visited by large numbers of people.
“We are taking advantage of this Independence Day momentum to bring together and involve several MSME operators, including those assisted by DKUP, PT TIMAH, IPT, as well as other vendors, to occupy the stalls provided in the former PT TIMAH Golf Course area. Thankfully, everything has been well organized,” Miwani said.
She expressed hope that various activities and events held in West Bangka would continue to have a positive impact on MSME operators, particularly local businesses.
Miwani believes that MSME products from West Bangka have significant potential for growth and are capable of competing with products from other regions.
“We can empower local MSMEs because, in terms of food products, local MSMEs are actually just as competitive as those from outside West Bangka,” she said.
According to Miwani, PT TIMAH’s support is an important factor in providing MSMEs with opportunities to grow. In addition to providing the venue, the company’s collaboration with the West Bangka Regency Government also helps open up marketing opportunities for local businesses.
“This activity would not be possible without PT TIMAH’s support, particularly in providing the location, through its collaboration with the West Bangka Regency Government. So far, PT TIMAH and the West Bangka Regency Government have consistently worked together to support the development of MSMEs in West Bangka,” she said.
She hopes that this support will inspire other parties to provide space and opportunities for local MSME operators.
“We hope PT TIMAH can serve as an inspiration for other business operators to do the same,” Miwani said.
The support was directly felt by 68-year-old Zahara, owner of Donat Esku. She said her sales increased while operating at the former PT TIMAH Golf Course area during the series of events commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.
Zahara, who sells trendy food and beverages, said the large crowds had a positive impact on her business turnover.
“Thankfully, there were many customers and our products sold very well. The profit from selling here is quite good compared with ordinary days,” she said.
Zahara, who is part of the Sukarno Hatta MSME group, was also grateful for the opportunity to sell her products through the stalls facilitated by DKUP West Bangka and PT TIMAH.
“Thank you to DKUP and PT TIMAH for inviting us to sell here. We were not charged any fees for selling here. In addition, we are also often invited to sell at PT TIMAH’s Wisma Majapahit whenever there are events,” she said.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Rahma, an accessory vendor. She said she was happy to take advantage of the 81st Independence Day celebration to sell her products while also introducing them to the public.
“Thankfully, many of my products were sold. I’m very happy because, besides enjoying the entertainment and watching the walking event, I can also earn a living here,” she said.
Rahma hopes that opportunities for MSME operators to sell their products at various activities held within PT TIMAH’s operational environment and throughout West Bangka Regency will continue in the future.
“Hopefully, if there are other events in the future, we can be involved again. Thank you, PT TIMAH and DKUP,” she said.
Through the provision of promotional and marketing spaces such as this, PT TIMAH’s presence not only contributes to the vibrancy of community activities but also creates opportunities for local MSMEs to increase sales, expand their markets, and become better known to the public. (*)
