PANGKALPINANG -- PT Timah is innovating and partnering to drive the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in supporting sustainable economic development.
Through the Micro and Small Business Funding (PUMK) program, PT Timah consistently promotes the development of MSMEs in the company's operational areas. The PUMK program by PT Timah encourages MSME players from various sectors.
As a member of the Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, PT Timah facilitates MSME players in various sectors such as trade, services, agriculture, fisheries, creative economy, livestock, and property to access funding.
Since 2000, the PUMK program by PT Timah has supported the development of thousands of MSME players in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Riau Islands Province, and nationally.
The PUMK program aids in the integrated development of MSMEs, starting from funding, training, and coaching, to marketing MSME products. This is a step taken by the company to mentor MSME players in the company's operational areas.
PT Timah's involvement in enhancing the capacity of MSMEs allows them to grow and compete more effectively. In 2023, 22 of PT Timah's foster partners moved up a class.
PT Timah also promotes the enhancement of its foster partners' capabilities through workshops, training, and mentorship so that MSMEs can understand best practices in business management, finance, and marketing.
Many MSME players have benefited from PT Timah's PUMK program, leading to the development of their businesses and even the addition of employment opportunities.
As expressed by Rizal, a resident of Rintis Gang Kemiri, Selat Panjang, Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province, who was able to develop a laundry service business utilizing capital from PT Timah's PUMK program.
"Alhamdulillah, with the capital loan from PT Timah, we were able to open a laundry branch elsewhere. This allows us to expand our customer base and also develop our business," he said.
Similarly, Siti Nurhasanah, a resident of Pangkalpinang City, said that thanks to the support of PT Timah's PUMK program, she was able to complete the construction of her rental house business.
"With a capital loan from the PT Timah PUMK program, I was also able to complete the construction of a rental house. Hopefully, this can continue because it will facilitate other business players to develop their businesses," she said.
PT Timah Tbk's PUMK program has also assisted Iyan Wahyudi (50) in developing his vegetable farming business and starting his chicken farming business. He is now even able to supply chicken to home industries.
"I initially borrowed capital to develop a vegetable farming business. Alhamdulillah, after receiving funding from PT Timah Tbk, the business developed rapidly, including expanding into a new chicken farming business," he said.
In Belitung Island, the PUMK program by PT Timah has also been felt by Ira Afriliana, who was able to revive her business with funding support from PT Timah.
As a batik craftsman, she hopes that PT Timah Tbk can continue to help MSMEs like hers develop their businesses.
"We hope that PT Timah Tbk will regularly hold events in East Belitung, as they have a significant positive impact on MSMEs," she said.
PT Timah believes that through strong partnerships, empowerment, and knowledge transfer, MSME players can act as positive agents of change for sustainable economic growth. (*)
