WEST BANGKA -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk is strengthening its support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in its operational areas by helping local businesses develop the potential of locally available resources into higher-value products.
As part of this effort, PT TIMAH held a training program on the processing of tilapia and dried baby shrimp for dozens of MSME operators in West Bangka Regency on Thursday (August 27, 2026).
The training featured speakers from the Fisheries Extension Division of the West Bangka Regency Fisheries Agency and PT TIMAH. The program provided MSME operators with practical knowledge and skills to develop processed fisheries products while creating new opportunities to increase the economic value of locally sourced commodities.
The training was officially opened by Sofian Simangungsong of PT TIMAH's Processing and Refinery Division. Also in attendance were Dody Sihono, Head of the Fisheries Cultivation Division of the West Bangka Regency Fisheries Agency; Winda Aidi, Secretary of the Fisheries Agency; and local MSME operators.
Dody Sihono expressed his appreciation for the training organized by PT TIMAH through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, particularly for its contribution to the fisheries sector and community empowerment.
He said the collaboration between PT TIMAH and the Fisheries Agency could become a strategic step toward increasing the economic value of fisheries products while contributing to improved community welfare.
“We see this as a very good collaboration. It is not only about processing fish into food, but also about how fisheries products can create a broader economic impact and contribute to improving community welfare,” Dody said.
He added that the training is aligned with the West Bangka Fisheries Agency's Movement to Promote Fish Consumption (Gemarikan) program.
The program targets preschool and kindergarten children, as well as families at risk of stunting, by providing supplementary food made from fish-based ingredients.
According to Dody, there is potential for future collaboration with MSMEs that have participated in the training, particularly in producing processed fish products that can support the Gemarikan program.
“We also have the Fish Consumption Promotion Program, and this training is in line with our program. Through this initiative, we target preschool and kindergarten children as well as families at risk of stunting by providing supplementary food made from fish-based ingredients,” he said.
“Going forward, we hope to collaborate with the women who process fish so they can develop products that can support our activities,” he added.
Dody emphasized that innovation in fisheries processing is important to diversify products, make them more appealing, and better suit consumer preferences, particularly among children.
“Through processing and more up-to-date innovation, we can expand the variety of food products and make them more appealing to children. Our current focus is on increasing fish consumption, particularly among children,” he said.
He noted that increasing fish consumption has become increasingly important as people become more accustomed to instant foods. Diversifying processed fish products, he said, can provide more attractive and nutritious alternatives for consumers.
Dody also expressed hope that the training facilitated by PT TIMAH would go beyond improving processing skills and be followed by continued assistance and long-term collaboration.
“We hope to expand our collaboration going forward. The Fisheries Agency is ready to support the targets and aspirations of PT TIMAH's TJSL program,” he said.
For MSME operators, the training provided more than just new knowledge about food processing. It also created an opportunity to build networks, exchange experiences, and learn from fellow business owners.
Elda, 69, one of the participants, said she was pleased to take part in the program organized by PT TIMAH. She said the training gave MSME operators an opportunity to gain practical knowledge directly from experts in their respective fields.
“We are very happy to be invited to participate in this activity. Through activities like this, we can connect with fellow MSME operators and gain new knowledge through guidance from experts and PT TIMAH,” she said.
Elda hopes similar programs will continue to be held, providing MSME operators with more opportunities to strengthen their skills and grow their businesses.
“We hope this activity can continue. Thank you, PT TIMAH,” she said.
Another participant, Umi, 60, expressed a similar view. She hopes support for MSMEs will extend beyond product-processing training to broader business development, including marketing.
She said access to capital and marketing remain among the key challenges faced by MSME operators as they seek to expand their businesses.
“As MSME operators, we also face challenges related to capital and marketing. We hope that, in addition to training like this, there will be further training, including marketing. This would help these businesses increase family income,” she said.
Through training focused on developing local potential, PT TIMAH continues to encourage communities to maximize the resources available to them—not only as raw materials, but also as the foundation for developing processed products with greater economic value. (*)
