WEST BANGKA -- In support of the government's food security program, employees of PT Timah residing in the company’s housing complex, especially those in the Mentok Processing and Smelting Division, are encouraged to utilize their yard space for gardening and farming.
This was conveyed by the Deputy Head of the Mentok Processing and Smelting Division, Kopdi Saragih, during a working visit by President Director Ahmad Dani Virsal, who was conducting a monitoring visit for the Community and Environmental Empowerment Program as part of the PROPER (Corporate Performance Rating Program) assessment for the Mentok Processing and Smelting Division (November 5, 2024).
Kopdi stated that the yard utilization program will continue to be promoted.
"This program can help improve the residents' economy if managed properly. At the very least, basic needs like vegetables and chicken can be met through the results of their own garden," he said.
One of PT Timah's employees working in the Ausmelt division, Sugeng, has already utilized his yard for gardening and poultry farming.
Sugeng has turned his vacant yard into a space for growing various vegetables, such as chili peppers, long beans, eggplant, water spinach, and mustard greens, as well as raising local chickens.
From this hobby, Sugeng has been able to earn additional income.
"Since moving to the Timah Mentok Complex, I have used my free time and days off to grow vegetables like green chili, water spinach, long beans, eggplant, and mustard greens. I also raise rabbits beside my house," he said.
"The rabbit manure is used as organic fertilizer for my plants."
"Alhamdulillah, my green chili plants already have regular customers from local SMEs who order directly. As for the other vegetables, apart from personal consumption, if there's a surplus during harvest, I sell them, which helps increase my income," Sugeng added. (*)
