SOUTH BANGKA -- To support the daily activities of fishermen in the Batu Kodok area of South Bangka Regency, PT TIMAH Tbk has provided assistance for the construction of a pedestrian access path.
The approximately 100-meter walkway serves as the main access route for fishermen to reach their boats, especially during high tide. The infrastructure is expected to improve fishermen's mobility while providing greater safety and convenience in carrying out their daily activities.
Sukur, a representative of the Batu Kodok fishermen, explained that the walkway was originally built to support the needs of the local fishing community.
"From the beginning, this walkway was built specifically to provide access for fishermen. When the tide is high, it makes it much easier, more convenient, and much safer for us to get to our boats," Sukur said.
Before receiving assistance from PT TIMAH, the construction of the walkway was carried out independently by the fishermen over a period of approximately two weeks. Due to limited funding, the project progressed gradually using community mutual assistance funds, donations from local vendors, and revenue generated from parking management.
Over time, the Batu Kodok area developed into a popular tourist destination. This growth created new challenges for the fishermen, as visitors' vehicles often blocked their access to the boats.
"Our initial intention was purely to support the fishermen. Unexpectedly, more and more visitors started coming, and the area eventually became a new tourist attraction. Since the increasing number of vehicles began obstructing the fishermen's access, we worked together to organize the parking area so that visitors' vehicles would not interfere with the fishermen passing through," Sukur added.
Recognizing the importance of this access route for the fishermen's livelihoods, as well as the emerging economic opportunities in the Batu Kodok area, PT TIMAH provided assistance to complete the construction of the walkway so it can serve the community for years to come.
Sukur expressed his appreciation for PT TIMAH's concern for the needs of coastal communities, noting that the walkway plays an important role in supporting local economic activities.
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to PT TIMAH for this assistance. As fishermen, we pray that PT TIMAH continues to prosper, achieve even greater success, and remain committed to supporting local communities," he concluded. (*)
