BANGKA TENGAH -- PT TIMAH Tbk has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving the welfare of coastal fishermen by providing fishing gear assistance to the Coastal Fishermen Joint Business Group (KUB) of Kedimpel Hamlet, Baskara Bakti Village, Namang District, Central Bangka Regency.
PT TIMAH Tbk delivered fishing equipment tailored to the fishermen’s needs, including fish nets, shrimp nets, crab nets, sinkers, and other supporting gear.
This assistance is expected to support fishermen’s fishing activities at sea and enhance their productivity, ultimately contributing to improved livelihoods and welfare.
Head of the Coastal Fishermen Group of Kedimpel Hamlet, M. Riduan, explained that fishermen in the area rely heavily on seasonal catches, ranging from crab and shrimp seasons to fish seasons.
Therefore, the availability of various types of nets is essential so they can continue fishing and adjust their equipment according to water conditions.
As traditional fishermen, their daily catches are often only enough to meet basic needs, making it difficult for them to afford purchasing new nets.
“Fishermen need several types of nets because each season requires different ones. Buying them all at once is quite expensive, especially shrimp nets. Usually, if we want to buy nets, we have to think carefully about the cost and buy them little by little,” he said.
He added that the group has been greatly helped by the fishing nets provided by PT TIMAH Tbk, which will help increase their catches.
“With this assistance from PT TIMAH Tbk, we are very helped in completing our fishing equipment. We are grateful and thankful. Hopefully, this kind of support can continue,” he said.
Group member Iwan also shared that the quality of the new fishing gear has had a significant impact on their catch results. According to him, new nets that are still intact and not torn have significantly increased their harvest.
“Previously, our catch was around 1 kilogram, but now it can increase to up to 3 kilograms because the equipment is new and in good condition,” he said.
He noted that this assistance means a lot to fishermen who depend on their daily catch to support their families, even though the results are sometimes insufficient.
Head of Baskara Bakti Village, Bahtiar Efendi, expressed appreciation for PT TIMAH Tbk’s continued concern for the local community. He hopes the assistance will help improve the welfare of fishermen.
“Thank you to PT TIMAH Tbk for caring about our community. Previously, fishermen in Batu Kemiri Tanah Merah Hamlet also received assistance. Now the fishermen in Kedimpel have benefited, and we hope this support will continue sustainably,” he said. (*)
