PANGKALPINANG -- PT Timah Tbk continues to show its commitment to supporting the development of sports within local communities. One of the company’s concrete efforts is providing assistance for community sports facilities across its operational areas.
As a member of the Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, PT Timah supports community sporting activities such as competitions and improving sports facilities.
The presence of proper sports facilities within communities is expected to encourage an interest in sports from an early age and help nurture potential young athletes. Sports are not only a form of physical activity but also a means to strengthen social bonds, improve health, and build the character of the younger generation.
In Bangka Selatan Regency, PT Timah has supported the improvement of community sports facilities in Rias and provided assistance to local soccer schools (SSB) as a platform for fostering young football enthusiasts. The company also regularly provides sports equipment to ensure community sports activities run smoothly.
In addition, PT Timah has also opened access for communities to exercise at company-owned facilities such as the Division Processing & Refinery area in Mentok, West Bangka, and the TINS Green Garden Foresttree in Bukit Baru, Pangkalpinang.
PT Timah Tbk’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, said that through support for both community sporting events and facilities, the company hopes to help improve people’s quality of life.
“With proper facilities, people will be more enthusiastic about exercising, which not only improves quality of life but also creates more opportunities for positive interactions among residents,” Anggi said.
One of the soccer schools receiving PT Timah’s support is SSB Tunas Mandiri in Rias Village, South Bangka. The head of the soccer school, Sukarya, said the support was very helpful in sustaining training sessions and preparing the team for an upcoming tournament in September.
“We founded this soccer school independently to give children positive activities. The assistance from PT Timah will be used to buy balls, training equipment, uniforms, and cover registration fees for the September tournament,” he explained.
Yahya Sudirman, coach of SSB Tunas Mandiri, emphasized that the soccer school’s role is not only to produce athletes but also to build the character of young people.
“We guide the children so they stay away from fights, reduce excessive online gaming, and promote sports in the community. Our main challenges are financial limitations and training equipment. Alhamdulillah, PT Timah’s assistance is very meaningful for us,” he said.
Recently, PT Timah also supported the renovation of a community volleyball court in Rias Village, South Bangka.
Imam Kolbi, head of the Karang Taruna youth group in Rias Village, expressed his gratitude for PT Timah’s care. According to him, plans to repair the volleyball court had existed since 2021 but were delayed due to funding constraints.
“The plan has been there since 2021, but funding was the main obstacle. Thankfully, PT Timah responded very well to our request. We are grateful for this support, which will benefit both the youth and the community of Rias Village,” he said.
PT Timah’s support for sports facilities is expected to strengthen the spirit of togetherness among residents while also encouraging a healthier lifestyle.
“This support is not just about fixing the field, but it also gives new motivation for the community to make sports part of their daily healthy routines,” added Imam Kolbi.
PT Timah also supported the Batu Bedaun Cup Volleyball Tournament in South Bangka. The tournament brought together dozens of teams from across Bangka Belitung Province and became a gathering ground for volleyball enthusiasts.
“Alhamdulillah, PT Timah has helped and contributed to this event. We are truly grateful. Hopefully, PT Timah will continue to work hand in hand with us and support other youth activities in our region,” said Mas Ayu Kurnia, Chairman of the Batu Bedaun Cup Committee.
More than just a sporting event, the Batu Bedaun Cup also serves as a platform to promote tourism potential at Batu Bedaun Beach. For this reason, the committee hopes to maintain ongoing collaboration between the community and PT Timah in supporting youth activities and village tourism development.
“This tournament also provides tourism education for Permis Village, even though our facilities remain limited. We hope PT Timah will continue to assist us in building an active and productive young generation,” Ayu added. (*)
