BANGKA -- A total of 411 fishermen in the district have become participants in the BPJS Employment program facilitated by PT Timah Tbk. The symbolic handover of BPJS Employment cards was carried out by the Acting Regent of Bangka, Isnaini, during the inauguration of the MSME Center in the Fishermen II Neighborhood Area, Sungailiat, on Wednesday (February 26, 2025).
PT Timah, in collaboration with BPJS Employment Pangkalpinang and the Fisheries and Marine Affairs Office (DKP) of Bangka Regency, facilitated fishermen to obtain social protection.
This assistance under the BPJS Employment social security protection program is part of PT Timah’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, which focuses on improving community welfare, especially for those working in the informal sector, such as fishermen.
The Acting Regent of Bangka, Isnaini, appreciated PT Timah’s efforts in providing social protection for fishermen. According to him, collaboration between the government, the private sector—represented by companies—and the community is essential to support economic growth and improve public welfare.
"We warmly welcome and highly appreciate the implementation of this program. We hope that this joint effort can have a significant impact on the local community," he added.
PT Timah Tbk’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, stated that PT Timah remains committed to providing benefits to the community, including through social security protection programs for fishermen groups.
"PT Timah has several programs to improve the economy of fishermen groups, such as providing fishing gear assistance, outboard motor assistance, and facilitating fishermen’s access to employment social security protection," he said.
Anggi also expressed appreciation for the local government’s support in ensuring the successful implementation of this program, which is expected to improve the welfare of the fishing community.
"PT Timah collaborated with the Fisheries and Marine Affairs Office of Bangka Regency to conduct surveys so that this program could be well-targeted," he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Roji (41), expressed his gratitude for the program.
"I have been fishing for 22 years, and conditions at sea are not always favorable. When the weather is bad, we have to return early, reducing our income. We are grateful that PT Timah has launched the BPJS Employment program for us. Now, we have protection if anything happens while working at sea," he said. (*)
