BELITUNG – PT TIMAH Tbk continues to support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in its operational areas through the Micro and Small Business Funding Program (PUMK).
One of the success stories of PT TIMAH Tbk’s fostered partners is Sepiak Belitung, which has gained recognition for its product innovation, particularly in EcoPrint.
Managed by Bela Kartika Aprilia (35), Sepiak Belitung has been a fostered partner of PT TIMAH Tbk since 2019. Bela specializes in fashion and focuses on batik production.
Through PT TIMAH Tbk’s partnership program, which included funding, training, and promotional support, the business survived the challenges of the pandemic and continues to thrive today.
“We’ve greatly benefited from PT TIMAH Tbk’s partnership program. From interest-free loans and product development training to regional promotions, this support has truly helped us improve product quality and expand our market reach,” said Bela.
She shared that Sepiak Belitung started as a provider of local souvenirs for tourists, utilizing local materials like Simpor leaves, known for their unique and distinctive EcoPrint designs.
“Although there was great potential, Sepiak Belitung faced challenges in improving product quality and expanding its market. The desire to overcome these challenges drove me to join PT TIMAH Tbk’s PUMK program in 2019,” Bela explained.
Through this program, Sepiak Belitung obtained adequate financing without the burden of high interest rates, enabling them to continue innovating.
“The revolving loan funding was especially helpful during the pandemic. The capital provided allowed us to maintain production and develop products despite facing numerous challenges,” Bela said.
In addition to funding, PT TIMAH provided training to enhance the development of Sepiak Belitung’s products, such as EcoPrint techniques using Simpor leaves. This training opened new perspectives on more attractive techniques and product designs.
“Before the training, our products were quite basic and lacked a strong identity. After participating in the EcoPrint training, we could explore creative freedom, produce more appealing designs, and most importantly, highlight Belitung’s uniqueness through the use of Simpor leaves,” Bela explained.
This training enabled Sepiak Belitung not only to enhance product quality but also to create new innovations that aligned better with current market preferences and trends.
“Today, our products are increasingly in demand, not only by tourists but also by a broader audience looking for high-quality local products,” said Bela.
PT TIMAH also provided promotional support, which was key to expanding Sepiak Belitung’s market. The brand received opportunities to participate in exhibitions in Yogyakarta and gained exposure through social media and reputable newspapers.
“Thanks to PT TIMAH’s promotional efforts, our brand gained wider recognition. Participating in exhibitions and media exposure significantly helped introduce our products to a larger market,” Bela stated.
In addition to offline promotions, Sepiak Belitung received training on optimizing online marketing, which is crucial in today’s digital era.
Despite facing challenges such as reduced consumer purchasing power and the pandemic’s impact, Sepiak Belitung continued to innovate and develop products that remained popular in the market.
As a result, Bela reported a remarkable 100% increase in sales turnover after becoming a PT TIMAH fostered partner, thanks to the promotional support.
“Our turnover doubled after joining PT TIMAH’s partnership program because we received help with promotions,” she said.
Beyond business growth, the PUMK program has also created job opportunities for the surrounding community. Initially employing only one worker, Bela’s business has now expanded to a team of 23 employees.
Bela envisions Sepiak Belitung becoming a nationally recognized brand within the next five years.
“In three to five years, my goal is for Sepiak Belitung to be accepted as a national brand. I hope PT TIMAH Tbk will continue supporting us, especially in branding and marketing, to help achieve this target,” Bela added.
With growing optimism, Sepiak Belitung has expanded its market internationally, exporting products to countries such as Japan, Singapore, Korea, and Malaysia.
Bela expressed her appreciation for PT TIMAH, a member of the Mining Industry Holding MIND ID, for its substantial support in advancing MSMEs in Bangka Belitung.
“Hopefully, PT TIMAH Tbk continues to grow and supports MSMEs in Bangka Belitung so they can thrive and positively impact the local economy,” she said.
PT TIMAH Tbk remains committed to empowering MSMEs in its operational regions. Through the PUMK program, it not only benefits fostered partners but also contributes to local economic progress and improved community welfare.
The PUMK program continues to evolve, delivering positive impacts for many MSMEs, including Sepiak Belitung, which is now poised for greater growth and ready to introduce its products to broader markets. (*)
