BELITUNG -- PT TIMAH Tbk conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on its Community Development and Empowerment Master Plan (RIPPM) in Belitung Island as part of the company's efforts to formulate sustainable community development programs.
The public consultation was held in two regencies—Belitung and East Belitung—on July 1–2, 2026. The forum brought together regional government officials, regional government agencies (OPD), sub-district heads, village heads, and community representatives from areas surrounding the company's operational sites.
Through the RIPPM FGD, PT TIMAH provided an open platform for dialogue to gather input and aspirations that will serve as the foundation for developing community empowerment programs aimed at improving public welfare while supporting the implementation of sustainable Good Mining Practice (GMP).
The Regional Secretary of East Belitung Regency, Erna Kunondo, expressed appreciation for the FGD, saying it provided an opportunity for the local government to communicate development priorities that could be aligned with PT TIMAH's community programs.
According to her, collaboration between local governments and the company is particularly important amid the region's budget constraints.
"We hope initiatives like this will continue so that regional aspirations can be accommodated. Through collaboration with PT TIMAH, we expect to accelerate regional development and support economic growth for the people of East Belitung," she said.
Erna also expressed hope that the resulting community development programs would be better integrated with regional priorities, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
She noted that improving access to healthcare services, including expanding community access to Indonesia's National Health Insurance (BPJS Kesehatan), should also receive greater attention.
The Chair of the East Belitung Chapter of the Indonesian Village Government Association (APDESI), who also serves as the Head of Mekar Jaya Village, Samsudin, said PT TIMAH's community development programs have delivered tangible benefits to local residents.
He highlighted healthcare, nutrition improvement, education, and economic empowerment as programs that are especially needed, particularly during a period of declining consumer purchasing power.
"Many of PT TIMAH's programs have had a direct impact on the community. We hope the outcomes of this FGD will soon be implemented to help stimulate the village economy," he said.
According to Samsudin, MSME development, access to business capital, capacity building for entrepreneurs, and stunting prevention are among the sectors that should continue to be strengthened through community empowerment programs.
Similarly, Muhammad, Head of Lalang Village in Manggar District, said the forum served as an effective communication platform between village governments and PT TIMAH.
He explained that residents in his village have benefited from various company social programs, including housing rehabilitation assistance, educational support, and medical expense assistance for local residents.
"Collaborative initiatives like this are very positive because our community has genuinely benefited from PT TIMAH's various programs," he said.
In Belitung Regency, Regional Secretary Marzuki expressed hope that PT TIMAH's community development initiatives would go beyond one-time assistance and instead create sustainable sources of income for local communities.
According to him, empowerment programs focused on strengthening community capacity would generate greater long-term economic impact than programs that are purely consumptive in nature.
"We hope these programs will truly empower communities so they can build sustainable sources of income," he said.
Marzuki added that tourism remains one of Belitung Regency's key development priorities. Therefore, strengthening MSMEs, education, healthcare, and human resource development should go hand in hand to support the growth of the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Head of Lassar Village in Membalong District, Triska Arafat, said local communities have benefited from PT TIMAH's various programs, including mangrove planting initiatives and sacrificial animal donations during Eid al-Adha.
Looking ahead, he hopes the partnership can be expanded to support Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), particularly in agriculture, plantations, livestock farming, and village tourism development.
"We hope PT TIMAH will continue supporting rural economic development through community empowerment programs that directly improve the welfare of local communities," he concluded.
Previously, PT TIMAH had also conducted RIPPM discussions across Bangka Island, including in Central Bangka, South Bangka, West Bangka, and Bangka Regencies. These initiatives are expected to strengthen collaboration between the company and its stakeholders in advancing sustainable development throughout PT TIMAH's operational areas. (*)
