WEST BANGKA -- The carpentry business run by Andi Setiawan (56) had faded during the Covid-19 pandemic. The decline in people's purchasing power has made it difficult for them to develop their businesses.
A resident of Sungai Daeng Village, Muntok District, West Bangka Regency said that during the Covid-19 pandemic he even had to reduce his employees.
But with enthusiasm and unyielding, he continued his efforts. Luckily, he received capital support from PT Timah Tbk's Micro Small Business Funding Program (PUMK).
"The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has hit our business hard. Orders for wood crafts have decreased because we prioritized buying health protocol tools," said Andi.
In the midst of a business that was not going smoothly, he was grateful that he received relief for the return on capital from PT Timah Tbk. So that the capital can be used to maintain its business.
"We are supported because of Covid-19 we are also given relief by not ignoring our responsibilities. So that our business can continue to survive," he said.
For this reason, he is optimistic again that after the conditions of the Covid-19 Pandemic have begun to slump, he believes his business can continue to grow.
"Hopefully after the easing of Covid, the economy will return to normal. The impact will be that customers will receive orders for wood crafts such as chairs, tables, and others, and we will be able to repay our loans," he said.
According to Andi, PT Timah's PUMK program is very helpful for people like himself who want to develop their businesses.
"I am very lucky to be Timah's fostered partner and this program helps us develop our business. Especially during the economic conditions during the pandemic, PT Timah is very understanding, and humane. Thank you PT Timah, I hope this program will continue because it is very suitable to help the community," he hoped.
