BANGKA BARAT - To stimulate the agricultural sector in Limbung Village, Jebus District, West Bangka Regency, PT Timah Tbk has built a two kilometer Farmer's Road to access agriculture and rice fields.
After being carried out self-managed by the Limbung Jaya Gapoktan in Limbung Village with the community for about two months, Farmer's road was symbolically handed over by the Director of Business Development of PT Timah Tbk, Alwin Albar to the Chairman of the Limbung Jaya Gapoktan, Syamsul Bahri, Sunday (21/11/202).
This activity was also witnessed by the Acting Assistant for Economics and Development of West Bangka Regency, Heru Warsito, the Head of Jebus Sub-district, A. Amir, the Secretary of Limbung Mu'an Village and the surrounding community.
Farmer's road is the community's access to plantations and rice fields. In addition, this road is an alternative access for the residents of Kacung and Tugang Villages to go to the market.
Initially, the road that the residents took was only a footpath, with slippery road conditions when it rained. No doubt, this is also quite difficult for residents to bring agricultural products because it can only be passed by two-wheeled vehicles.
The construction of this Agricultural Business Road is part of a series of MIND ID Charity Week activities in commemoration of the MIND ID anniversary on 27 November.
In addition to building roads, PT Timah Tbk has also built two culvert points in this area as well as a 20 meter long canal.
Acting Assistant for Economics and Development of West Bangka, Heru Warsito, expressed his appreciation to PT Timah Tbk for helping to improve infrastructure in West Bangka Regency, in this case the construction of roads leading to economic resources for residents.
"The presence of this road not only makes it easier for people to access plantations and rice fields, but also facilitates the distribution of community plantation products. With this road, we hope to increase residents' agricultural output which will have an impact on the community's economy," he said.
For him, the construction of farmer's road through PT Timah Tbk's CSR is a form of synergy between the Government and PT Timah Tbk in accelerating development in West Bangka. In the future, he said, the government will also print rice fields in the area, so that the construction of this road is also in line with the government's program.
"We highly appreciate PT Timah Tbk who has built this road. The government has limited budget, so it needs synergy and collaboration like this. PT Timah has supported the improvement of infrastructure development in West Bangka," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Jebus A. Amir said, Jalan Tani is a community need to facilitate access and distribution to agricultural land and rice fields.
"This road is passed by residents every day to go to the garden, there are lots of people who have gardens here. Where previously the condition was quite alarming, there were residents who fell because they were slippery when crossing this road. Thanks to the help of PT Timah Tbk, finally the residents can be easier So hopefully the economy will also improve," he said.
The secretary of Limbung Village, Mu'an, said that apart from plantations, in this area there are also 86 hectares of rice fields. However, not everything is managed properly.
"We, the village government really welcome the construction of this road, because this is exactly what we need. This road is crossed by hundreds of people every day, not only for plantation access, but there are 86 hectares of rice fields, people from Tugang and Kacung villages if they want to go to the market too through here because it's closer," he said.
Similarly, the chairman of the Limbung Jaya Gapoktan, Syamsul Bahri, explained that the presence of this road has made it easier for them and is very beneficial for the residents.
"If you look at the previous road conditions, it was rather bad, so we are lucky and grateful that this road is finally good and this is done by PT Timah Tbk," he said.
According to him, PT Timah Tbk not only builds roads, but also empowers the surrounding community. Because, this development is carried out independently by the community.
"There are more than 20 residents who get jobs from the construction of this road, indeed PT Timah asked for self-management. Programs like this are what we hope for," he explained.
Darmawan, a resident of Limbung Village who owns agricultural land in the farmer's road area, said that now he no longer has to worry about going to the garden. Because the road conditions are good and can cut time to get to the plantation.
"When it rains it's very slippery, the road is small. In the past, if you wanted to go to the garden for about half an hour, now it's only 5-10 minutes. Now it's more comfortable if you want to go to the garden, transporting fertilizers and crops is also easier because the road is good. the road built by PT Timah," he said.
The construction of this road is a commitment of the members of the BUMN holding to help the community in various sectors, including is the only agricultural sector to move the community's economy. (**)
