KARIMUN -- Nets remain the primary fishing gear relied upon by fishermen to sustain their productivity and support their families’ economic stability. Therefore, PT Timah Tbk continues to provide fishing equipment assistance to coastal communities within the company’s operational areas.
Recently, PT Timah Tbk once again distributed fishing gear assistance in the form of shrimp nets to the Sumur Air Mawar Joint Business Group (KUB) in Sawang Laut Village, Kundur Barat District, Karimun Regency.
For fishermen, nets are not merely tools but essential working assets and their main source of livelihood to meet daily needs. Amid rising prices of fishing equipment, having proper and durable nets is considered crucial to ensuring good catches.
The assistance was warmly welcomed by members of KUB Sumur Air Mawar, most of whom are traditional fishermen who depend on shrimp catches in the coastal waters of Kobel Beach.
Amri, Head of KUB Sumur Air Mawar, expressed his gratitude for the support. He said this was the first time the group had received fishing gear assistance from PT Timah Tbk.
“Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful and thankful to PT Timah Tbk for providing these nets. The price of nets today is not comparable to fishermen’s income. This assistance is exactly what we needed,” said Amri.
According to Amri, they are currently entering the shrimp season, when market prices are relatively good. With new fishing gear, fishermen are optimistic that their catches will increase.
“It’s shrimp season now and the prices are quite good. With new nets, it will definitely help improve our catch,” he added.
As traditional fishermen, KUB members usually catch shrimp along the coastal area of Kobel Beach, where results are often unpredictable. Limited fishing equipment has frequently been a challenge.
Their shrimp nets are often damaged and must be replaced every three to four months. Meanwhile, the cost of fishing gear continues to rise, while shrimp prices are not always stable.
“Our income is only enough for daily needs. When the nets are damaged, buying new ones feels burdensome because the prices don’t match our earnings,” he said.
With the new nets provided through this assistance, fishermen can not only replace damaged ones but also increase the number of nets they use. This is expected to have a direct impact on improving both productivity and income.
This fishing gear assistance is part of PT Timah Tbk’s ongoing efforts to empower and support coastal communities within its operational areas.
