PANGKALPINANG -- Empowering the younger generation is an important step toward fostering creative, independent, and productive communities. PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk continues to provide opportunities for young people to create, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to their communities by supporting various youth initiatives across the company's operational areas.
PT TIMAH demonstrates this commitment through a wide range of activities, including sports tournaments, creative community development, MSME and cultural exhibitions, and events that promote local tourism potential.
These initiatives provide platforms for young people to develop their skills while stimulating social and economic activities within their communities.
In West Bangka Regency, for example, PT TIMAH Tbk supported the Jebus Cup I Youth Organization Soccer Tournament, organized by Karang Taruna Jebus, a local youth organization.
Chairman of Karang Taruna Jebus, Rizki Novaldi, said the tournament was intended not only to promote soccer development but also to stimulate economic activity and encourage other positive initiatives in Jebus Village.
According to him, this was the first tournament organized on an open basis, welcoming participants from across the Bangka Belitung Islands. PT TIMAH Tbk's support helped the organizing committee meet various event requirements, including prizes and operational expenses.
"We hope this collaboration with the company will continue, providing young people with greater opportunities to organize activities that benefit the community," he said.
A similar spirit was reflected in the Kelapa Expo Vol. 2 in 2026, held in Kelapa District, West Bangka. Initiated by young members of the Tunas Muda Kelapa Foundation, the event was designed to promote local products, support MSME development, and preserve regional arts and cultural traditions.
Organizers aimed to attract more than 100 MSMEs to participate in the event. In addition to a local product bazaar, the expo featured cultural performances, including traditional dances, pencak silat martial arts, Pangkak Gasing, traditional dambus music, and welcoming dances.
Chairman of the Kelapa Expo Vol. 2 Organizing Committee, Khoirussoleh, explained that the event originated from the young organizers' desire to create opportunities for community engagement while stimulating economic activity in Kelapa District.
He expressed appreciation for PT TIMAH Tbk's support in organizing the event. According to him, the collaboration enabled young people to develop local potential, expand promotional opportunities for MSME products, and provide a platform for local artists and cultural performers.
"We are very grateful for PT TIMAH's support. This assistance has been extremely helpful in ensuring the successful implementation of Kelapa Expo. We hope this event can continue and become an annual tradition," he said.
Meanwhile, youth empowerment through skills development and productive entrepreneurship is being carried out in collaboration with the Home Creative Pepaya Community in Rias Village, South Bangka Regency. PT TIMAH Tbk has provided ongoing support to the community, including assistance with the construction of a gallery and creative workshop.
Chairman of Home Creative Pepaya, Iwan Sanjaya, said the gallery is planned to serve as a space for displaying and selling products, as well as welcoming visitors. The facility is expected to help the community expand its market reach and promote its creative products.
Beyond supporting production needs, the development program also provides opportunities for young members to learn, sharpen their skills, and cultivate a creative mindset.
PT TIMAH's support for youth initiatives also extends to Karimun Regency, Riau Islands Province, including efforts to promote coastal tourism through the 2026 Pongkar Beach Fishing Competition #2, organized by Karang Taruna Pagar Alam in Pongkar Village, Tebing District, Karimun Regency.
Supported by PT TIMAH Tbk, the event attracted 460 anglers from various regions, including Karimun, Kundur, Tanjung Batu, Penyalai, Batam, and even Malaysia. The number of participants increased compared to the previous event in 2025.
Chairman of the 2026 Pongkar Beach Fishing Competition #2 Organizing Committee, Deni, said the event was part of an effort to showcase the marine resources and tourism potential of Pongkar Village. Beyond serving as a competition, the fishing tournament also encouraged community participation in developing local potential.
"We would like to thank PT TIMAH for its support and assistance with youth activities. The company also supported us last year, and we hope to receive its support again next year," he said. (*)
