PT TIMAH’s Commitment to Education: Supporting Student Innovation

PT TIMAH's Commitment to Education: Supporting Student Innovation and Research at SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Pesak in Turning Banana Stems into Sambalingkung

BELITUNG TIMUR -- PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting education and youth innovation by backing a student research project from SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Pesak in Belitung Timur, whose students are participating in the Olimpiade Penelitian Siswa Indonesia (OPSI) 2025.

The Principal of SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Pesak, Herman Sujono, revealed that two of his students successfully reached the national top 50 in OPSI 2025. This achievement is a source of pride, as they are the only participants from the Bangka Belitung region to make it into the top 50.

"Thank God, this year our students made it into the national top 50 and are the only representatives from our region to advance to the second stage," Herman said.

In the competition, the students presented an innovation that processes banana stems (gedebong pisang) into an economically valuable food product called sambalingkung. So far, most people only use banana leaves and fruit, while the stems are typically left unused.

Through their research, the students proved that banana stems can be processed into a food product with a distinctive taste, different from traditional fish-based preparations.

However, to ensure the product's safety, the team had to undergo food safety laboratory testing, which required significant funding. The laboratory tests were conducted at two different locations, and the results confirmed that the product is safe for consumption.

During the development process, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk provided support in the form of funding for laboratory testing and production equipment, including a mixer to assist with the manufacturing process.

This assistance became an important part of the students' preparation for the national top 20 stage, while also supporting the development of research-based entrepreneurship within the school.

"Our school has budget limitations. PT TIMAH's support has been very helpful in empowering students to be more creative and active. PT TIMAH has become one of the main supporters of innovation activities at our school," Herman said.

He added that the students' innovative product is now being marketed on a limited scale within the school community and to teachers as an initial step toward entrepreneurship development.

Previously, the school had also actively developed various research innovations, including processing rubber seeds into soap oil.

According to Herman, the culture of research and innovation will continue to be strengthened as part of the learning process. He hopes that collaboration with PT TIMAH will continue to support the emergence of young innovators in Belitung Timur.

"We hope this collaboration does not stop here. Hopefully, in the future, there will be more programs that can benefit both students and the wider community of Belitung Timur," he said.