WEST BANGKA -- PT TIMAH Tbk continues to strengthen its partnership with higher education institutions by providing university students with opportunities to gain firsthand learning experiences at the company’s operational sites. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting human resource development while bridging academic learning with real-world industrial practices.
Through its Processing and Refinery Division in Mentok, West Bangka Regency, PT TIMAH welcomed visits from two universities on Friday (July 3, 2026).
The program involved 59 Mining Engineering students from the University of Bangka Belitung (UBB) accompanied by two lecturers, as well as 103 Mining Engineering students from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) accompanied by eight lecturers.
The students were welcomed by Sofian Simangunsong, Division Head of Processing and Refinery, together with Kopdi Saragih, Sub Division Head of Processing and Refinery. During the visit, participants received presentations on tin processing and refining, joined interactive discussion sessions, and toured the operational facilities to observe firsthand the stages of tin metal production.
Mardiyah, a lecturer from the Mining Engineering Study Program at the University of Bangka Belitung, expressed her appreciation for PT TIMAH’s longstanding commitment to providing learning opportunities for students.
According to her, industrial field visits are an essential component of the curriculum, enabling students to connect classroom theories with practical applications while gaining a realistic understanding of the mining industry.
“Every year we bring our students to PT TIMAH because the company consistently provides excellent learning opportunities. Students can directly observe the entire process, from mining to tin processing, making them better prepared for internships and their final research projects,” she said.
She explained that fourth-semester students begin transitioning from theoretical learning to applied studies. Therefore, direct exposure to industrial operations plays a crucial role in developing their professional competencies.
Mardiyah also noted that PT TIMAH has long been a strategic partner for UBB, supporting academic activities, research, and various student development programs.
“Students in Bangka Belitung should understand the tin mining industry from upstream to downstream. Learning directly at PT TIMAH is an invaluable experience because they can witness the real processes they have previously studied only in theory,” she added.
A similar sentiment was shared by Fariz Aditya, Head of the Delegation and Lecturer from the Faculty of Mining Engineering at Universitas Negeri Padang. He stated that the industrial visit to PT TIMAH provided students with valuable insights into the complete value chain of the tin mining industry.
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to allow our students to witness firsthand the mining, processing, and refining of tin. Experiences like this are not available to every mining engineering student,” Fariz said.
He emphasized that field-based learning broadens students’ perspectives and better prepares them for their future careers. He also noted that many PT TIMAH employees are alumni who had previously participated in similar educational programs at the company.
Fariz further expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH’s warm hospitality and openness in supporting academic initiatives.
“We sincerely thank PT TIMAH for the opportunity and excellent hospitality throughout this visit. It has been an extremely beneficial experience for both our students and lecturers,” he concluded.
Through industrial visits such as this, PT TIMAH continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting higher education, developing highly competent human resources, and strengthening collaboration between industry and academia to advance Indonesia’s mining sector.
