WEST BANGKA -- PT TIMAH Tbk continues to demonstrate its commitment to community development by supporting various initiatives that generate economic, social, and cultural benefits. One of these initiatives is its support for Kelapa Expo Vol. 2 2026, which will be held from July 22–25, 2026, at the former Kelapa Soccer Field in Kelapa Village, West Bangka Regency.
PT TIMAH's support for the event also reflects its commitment to empowering the younger generation, as Kelapa Expo was initiated by the youth of the Tunas Muda Kelapa Foundation, which brings together youth groups across Kelapa District.
Kelapa Expo is expected to become an annual event that stimulates the local economy, creates opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and serves as a platform for preserving local culture.
Khoirussoleh, Chairman of the Kelapa Expo Vol. 2 Organizing Committee, said the organizers are targeting participation from more than 100 MSMEs this year. To date, 82 MSMEs from various regencies across the Bangka Belitung Islands Province have already registered.
"The main focus of this year's event is the MSME bazaar. Our target is to have more than 100 participating businesses, with around 20 coming from Kelapa District and the rest from other regions across Bangka Belitung. So far, 82 MSMEs have already signed up," he said.
According to Khoirussoleh, the growing number of participants reflects the increasing public enthusiasm for Kelapa Expo compared to its inaugural event.
"Last year, our target was 50 MSMEs, but around 80 ended up participating. This year, we're optimistic that we'll surpass 100 participants," he added.
In addition to promoting local products, Kelapa Expo will also feature a variety of cultural performances aimed at reviving local traditions that are becoming increasingly rare.
The expo will showcase traditional dances, pencak silat martial arts, Pangkak Gasing performances, dambus music, and traditional welcoming dances. A pencak silat performance by practitioners from Kacung Village will also be one of the event's highlights.
"We want to provide a stage for local artists and cultural performers. There is so much local talent that has not had the opportunity to perform. Through Kelapa Expo, we hope to revive local traditions such as Pangkak Gasing, traditional games, dambus music, and welcoming dances so they become more widely recognized," he explained.
On the closing night, Kelapa Expo Vol. 2 will feature a live performance by the Indonesian band Tip X.
Khoirussoleh hopes the large number of visitors will have a direct impact on increasing MSME revenues and boosting the local economy.
He explained that Kelapa Expo was created out of the local youth's desire to establish a new destination that encourages people to stop and visit Kelapa District.
"Until now, Kelapa has not had a central gathering place or destination that encourages travelers to stop by. That's why we initiated this event—to stimulate the regional economy while showcasing the area's potential," he said.
He expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH's support of the event, noting that the company's contribution demonstrates its commitment to community development, even though Kelapa District is not a mining area.
"We are truly grateful for PT TIMAH's support. This assistance has been invaluable in helping us organize Kelapa Expo successfully. We hope this event can continue and become an annual tradition," he said.
He added that PT TIMAH's support demonstrates that the company's social responsibility programs benefit not only communities in mining operational areas but also other regions with strong development potential.
"We hope this partnership will continue so that young people can organize even more positive activities to develop regional potential, preserve local culture, and empower MSMEs and the creative economy within the community," he concluded.
Kelapa Expo Vol. 2 carries the spirit of becoming a platform for youth creativity, strengthening local arts and culture, promoting MSME products, and fostering entrepreneurship. Through collaboration among local communities, young people, and businesses such as PT TIMAH, the event is expected to serve as a driving force for the local economy while reinforcing the cultural identity of West Bangka. (*)
