BANGKA -- The business owned by Bohal Sinaga, owner of Toko Cahaya Terang located on Jalan Raya Sungailiat–Bakam, Dusun Tutut, Penyamun Village, Bangka Regency, has continued to grow since becoming a fostered partner of PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk.
What began as a simple business selling household items has now developed into one of the go-to centers for household needs in the surrounding community.
Bohal initially started his business as an LPG gas distributor before recognizing a broader market opportunity from customers who came by, eventually expanding into a general retail shop.
“At first, it was just an LPG base, but I saw that customers also needed household goods. That’s when I started adding kitchenware,” he said.
This decision proved to be the right one. In the areas of Dusun Tutut, Muntabak, and Penyamun, stores that specifically provide kitchenware are still very limited. In fact, Toko Cahaya Terang became the first to offer a more complete range of such products in the area.
In addition to demand, the distance to shopping centers in Sungailiat, which is about 7–8 kilometers away, has also created its own opportunity. Residents now prefer to shop at Bohal’s store because it is closer and more convenient.
Over time, Bohal’s business has continued to expand. From initially selling basic items like brooms, he has added a variety of products, including kitchen equipment, gas stoves, and daily grocery needs. He has also opened a small-scale fuel retail service (mini gas station) to further meet community needs.
However, Bohal acknowledged that the community’s purchasing power has declined compared to the previous year. He noted that several factors, including economic conditions, have influenced this situation.
To adapt, Bohal has implemented strategies such as limiting stock for certain items, especially food and grocery products with expiration dates. He has also become more selective in adding new products by considering market trends and customer needs.
One of the main factors driving the growth of his business is the support from PT TIMAH through its partnership program. In 2025, Bohal received a capital loan which he used to increase inventory and expand his business.
He said that access to capital is one of the main challenges for small and medium enterprises to grow. Therefore, support from companies like PT TIMAH is considered crucial in driving the growth of local small businesses.
“This program is very helpful for developing the business, especially in terms of capital. Support programs for SMEs from PT TIMAH are truly needed,” he said.
Looking ahead, he plans to continue developing his business by adding more product variations, including the possibility of selling furniture. He also hopes to expand the scale of his business to create job opportunities for the surrounding community.
Bohal also expressed his hope that PT TIMAH will continue to expand its partnership programs to support more SMEs.
“Thank you to PT TIMAH for its support of SMEs. Hopefully, programs like this will continue so that more people can benefit and the regional economy can keep moving forward,” he concluded. (*)
