PANGKALPINANG -- Amid the rhythmic clatter of ping pong balls at PT Timah’s employee table tennis tournament held at the Stannia Sports Hall, all eyes suddenly turned to Fahrul, who stood tall at the side of the table.
Unlike other athletes, he gripped his paddle only with his left hand. Despite this, his ability to return the ball was mesmerizing. His right hand was tucked into what he called his “magic pocket.”
Every stroke he made told a story of determination, perseverance, and unwavering spirit. He never used his disability as an excuse to give up. As a person with disabilities, Fahrul has never stopped honing his talents.
Fahrul is one of the employees at PT Timah’s Division Processing and Refinery in Mentok, West Bangka. A 2007 accident left his right hand nonfunctional. Yet he proved to the world that fighting spirit and hard work can overcome physical limitations.
“After the accident, I felt down for two years, then I started training in table tennis at NPC Jakarta. That was the turning point in my life, but eventually, I thought I had to get back up. I kept honing my skills in table tennis, even though some people looked down on me. I told myself that only my body was impaired, but my mind wasn’t. I was confident I could make it,” Fahrul recalled.
With support from his family, he achieved various accomplishments in table tennis, including competing in the National Paralympic Games, winning gold at the 2018 Paralympic event, tournaments at PT Timah, and other competitions in Bangka Belitung.
Most recently, in PT Timah’s employee sports competition held for the company’s 49th anniversary, Fahrul’s team once again claimed first place.
With his achievements as a table tennis athlete, Fahrul decided to apply for a job at PT Timah in 2019. In addition to being an athlete, he is also skilled as a gardener—an ability that opened the door for him to join the company.
He never expected PT Timah would accept him as a gardener assigned to the Mentok Guest House. Despite his physical limitations, he is grateful that PT Timah looked beyond his disability and gave him a chance to work.
“I applied to PT Timah with my gardening and table tennis skills. I can arrange flowers and I have expertise in agriculture. At first, I doubted I would be accepted, but PT Timah gave opportunities to people with disabilities who also have strengths in other fields,” said the Mentok-born man.
As a gardener at PT Timah, Fahrul has mastered plant care, landscaping, and producing a variety of beautiful flowers through cutting techniques, such as bougainvillea with leaves in multiple colors.
A supportive work environment has made him feel more comfortable at PT Timah, and he has built a strong sense of camaraderie with his colleagues. This further motivates Fahrul to give his best to the company.
“The fun part about working at PT Timah is that we all show the best of what we can do. PT Timah also supports me in joining various table tennis championships both inside and outside the company. I often train together with other employees,” he said.
Fahrul is living proof that PT Timah continues to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment—one that not only provides jobs but also creates room for everyone to grow.
Known for his humility and enthusiasm, Fahrul is a true fighter in the arena, relying on just one hand. He also shares his skills with the younger generation by coaching at PTM Kemunting in West Bangka.
“I’ve been coaching children in West Bangka who want to play table tennis at PTM Kemunting for almost five years now. Alhamdulillah, some have already qualified for the national training camp selection. I’d rather share my knowledge with kids so they play sports instead of spending too much time on their phones,” he said.
“Nothing is impossible. As long as we’re willing to try and work hard, there will always be a way. I hope PT Timah continues to thrive, and I encourage young people to put down their phones and play sports to develop their talents,” he concluded.
