BFC, WEST BANGKA — PT TIMAH Tbk once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the welfare of coastal communities by providing fishing equipment assistance to the Penganak Air Gantang Fishermen Group in Air Gantang Village, Parittiga District, West Bangka Regency.
Assistance for fishermen is a routine program carried out by PT TIMAH Tbk for fishermen groups in the company’s operational areas. Through this support, it is expected that fishermen’s productivity will increase, ultimately improving the welfare of the community.
The assistance provided by PT TIMAH Tbk includes wire traps, ropes for constructing fish aggregating devices (rumpon), and one 9.5 HP outboard motor. The equipment was tailored to the needs of local fishermen, most of whom still use traditional fishing gear such as traps and rumpon.
Chairman of the Penganak Air Gantang Fishermen Group, Harman, stated that the assistance is highly relevant to the needs of fishermen in the coastal area of Air Gantang, particularly in Penganak Hamlet, which is located directly adjacent to the sea.
The Penganak Fishermen Group consists of nearly 100 members from several hamlets, including Penganak Hamlet.
“The main needs of fishermen here are setting traps and building rumpon. The outboard motor is also very helpful for fishermen who previously could only operate near the shoreline because their engines were small,” Harman said.
He explained that the outboard motor is not owned individually, but is instead used on a rotating basis by group members. This scheme is applied to ensure that the assistance truly benefits all members of the group.
According to the group’s rules, this assistance cannot be owned by individuals. It is rotated so that all fishermen can feel the benefits. It is truly for the common good,” he added.
Harman also noted that in the Penganak area, mining activities and fishing activities at sea can coexist.
“If managed properly, mining activities and fishermen at sea can coexist. These become two sources of the community’s economy that can run side by side, as long as there is mutual understanding,” Harman said.
For the assistance, the management and members of the Penganak Fishermen Group expressed their appreciation to PT TIMAH Tbk.
“We are very grateful for PT TIMAH’s attention. We hope this assistance will further support fishermen’s output and improve the welfare of our members,” he concluded.
Through this fisheries facilities assistance program, PT TIMAH Tbk continues to be present in providing added value to coastal communities, in line with the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and strengthening the local economy. (*)
