BELITUNG - PT Timah, together with state-owned enterprises (BUMN) in Bangka Belitung, enlivened the 'Real Work Festival Vol. 5.0' initiated by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises. The event took place at Tanjung Pendam Beach, Tanjung Pandan District, Belitung Regency from Friday to Sunday (February 16-18, 2024).
The Karya Nyata Festival Vol. 5.0 featured a series of activities such as the UMKM bazaar, traditional cooking competitions, music parades, creative fashion contests, traditional games, group dining, coffee sessions, colossal theater performances, music performance by Topan N Friends, as well as tray decoration contests.
In addition to revitalizing the economy, the Real Work Festival Vol. 5.0 also serves as a platform and effort by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises to boost creative economy and tourism.
The Karya Nyata Festival Vol. 5.0 was themed 'Ngangkit Batang Terendam,' which means bringing back something that has long been lost.
One of the highlights of the event that attracted attention was the creative fashion show featuring modern traditional attire.
Arya Mahendra Sinulingga, Special Staff III to the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, who attended the event, stated that the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises provides opportunities for UMKM to participate in exhibitions and festivals. This time it was held in Bangka Belitung.
According to Arya, such activities are part of Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Tohir's efforts to encourage the development of UMKM to promote their products.
"Belitung is one of UNESCO's Geopark areas, making it a great tourist destination. Although we know there has been a decline in tourist numbers since the pandemic, this is one way to boost tourism and increase visits to Belitung as before the pandemic," said Arya.
One participant, Firni (17), who took part in the creative fashion show, admitted that she almost didn't join the competition due to lack of preparation.
"I only prepared this outfit last night because the registration was also sudden. At first, I hesitated to join because I didn't have a suitable outfit for the theme, but after searching and combining it with available props, thankfully there was a dress code that matched the theme," said the 3rd-grade student of SMK N 1 Tanjung Pandan.
Although she has participated in fashion shows many times and won awards, she found the experience in the Real Work Festival to be different and memorable.
"It's fun, exciting, and I'm proud to be involved in this event. It's also nice to meet new friends because I made new acquaintances during this competition," she said.
She hopes that in the future, activities like this can be held regularly to allow young people to channel their hobbies.
"For PT Timah and other SOEs, I wish them continued success, and hopefully, they can organize events like this again in the future so that the millennial generation can express their hobbies and talents," she concluded. (*)
