EAST BELITUNG -- In celebration of its 49th anniversary, PT Timah Tbk provided assistance to Zulkarnain (49), a fisherman from Burung Mandi Village, Damar District, East Belitung Regency, whose boat capsized after being caught in a storm at sea recently.
The assistance was handed over as part of the Healthy Week event at Nyiur Melambai Beach, Lalang Village, Manggar District, on Sunday (July 27, 2025).
Zulkarnain recounted that the incident occurred while he was at sea with three fellow fishermen. Their boat was struck by large waves and a storm caused by extreme weather, making them lose control before it capsized.
“Our boat was hit by waves, we lost control, and it eventually capsized. We were thrown into the sea,” he recalled.
Although there were no injuries, they had to struggle for nearly 10 hours, drifting in the open sea before being found and rescued by another fishing vessel. Their boat was severely damaged, and even the GPS tracker was swept away by the waves.
With PT Timah Tbk’s assistance, Zulkarnain plans to build a new boat and purchase the necessary equipment to resume fishing.
“Thank you, PT Timah. We will use this assistance to build a new boat and buy fishing equipment. I hope PT Timah continues to help fishermen, not only with boat engines but also with other equipment we need to make a living,” he said.
Zulkarnain also shared his prayers and hopes on PT Timah’s 49th anniversary.
“Happy anniversary, PT Timah. I wish you continued success and hope you keep bringing benefits to the community, especially the fishermen of East Belitung,” he added.
East Belitung Regent Kamarudin Muten also expressed appreciation for PT Timah’s contribution to the community, especially to fishermen affected by disasters.
“We thank PT Timah for supporting the people of East Belitung. The age of 49 is a mature milestone, and I hope East Belitung will experience massive growth in terms of economy, health, education, social development, and more. Our synergy with PT Timah is now much better and has brought positive change,” Kamarudin said.
