NEWS & EVENT

Educational Tourism at the Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang: Exploring Indonesia's Mining Heritage

PANGKALPINANG – The Indonesian Tin Museum (MTI) Pangkalpinang serves as both an educational and recreational hub for the public and tourists visiting Bangka Belitung Province.

Given its rich historical content, it is no surprise that visitor numbers at MTI Pangkalpinang continue to grow each year. The museum provides comprehensive insights into the history of tin mining in Indonesia, making it a must-visit destination.

In 2024, the museum welcomed 23,957 visitors, with the majority being students, followed by domestic and international tourists, university groups, and local travelers. This marks a significant increase from 2023 when 16,896 visitors—also dominated by students—explored the museum.

Managed by PT Timah, the Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang offers an educational experience through its extensive collection of historical artifacts, documentation of mining processes, and technologies used in the tin industry, spanning from the colonial era to modern times.

With over 500 exhibits, visitors can trace the long history of the tin mining industry, which has played a significant role in Indonesia’s national development.

The museum houses 514 collections related to tin mining, including Mining excavation tools, Various types of tin ingots, Tin transportation equipment, Dredging ship bowls and monitors, and Rock samples and other artifacts

Beyond its role as an educational center, the museum is also a recreational destination for families, students, and tourists. Featuring interactive exhibits and facilities such as a mini studio and the Pownis city tour, MTI Pangkalpinang offers a fun and informative experience.

In addition to tin mining, visitors can explore exhibits on the Bangka pepper industry, Kota Kapur inscription, Replicas of tin dredging and suction vessels, Tin ingot stamps from Hoofd Bureau-Banka Tin Winning (BTW), 3D photography models, and Bangka Belitung’s traditional Cual fabric gallery, and A Historic Landmark in Asia.

Opened in 1997, the Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang is housed in a historic building and is recognized as a cultural heritage site. In 2018, it was officially named the first Tin Museum in Asia, solidifying its status as a key institution in preserving tin mining history.

Taufik, Head of the Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang, highlighted the museum’s increasing popularity.

“The number of visitors continues to grow, primarily driven by students from kindergarten to high school. These students come not only from Pangkalpinang but also from other districts, eager to learn about tin mining history,” he explained.

With its unique blend of education and tourism, the Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang remains a significant cultural landmark, ensuring that the legacy of Indonesia’s tin mining industry is preserved for future generations. (*)