PANGKALPINANG – The Bangka Belitung Islands Province is one of the world’s largest tin producers. It’s no surprise that its rich history and natural resources are a vital and fascinating topic for learning.
One way to introduce the history of Indonesia's natural wealth is through museum visits. Among the museums showcasing this history and culture, the Timah Museum of Indonesia Pangkalpinang stands out as a popular destination for students eager to learn about the tin industry.
The Timah Museum of Indonesia in Pangkalpinang not only bears witness to the journey of Indonesia’s tin industry but also plays an important role in educating the younger generation about the benefits and history of tin.
As such, the museum is frequently visited by students from various levels, including kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, as well as university students.
According to records from the Timah Museum of Indonesia Pangkalpinang, from January to August 2024, a total of 10,908 students visited the museum.
Several schools have even made visits to the museum a regular program to support the learning process.
Anika, the Principal of TK Tidar Koe, shared that they have brought students to learn about tin history at the Timah Museum of Indonesia Pangkalpinang three times.
Their visit is part of the P5 curriculum with the theme "I Love Indonesia." This time, they brought 91 students to study at the museum.
“This is our third time visiting the museum with different students. Every time, the children are enthusiastic because they can see various ornaments and explore them. But most importantly, we can introduce them to tin mining as one of the natural resources of Bangka Belitung,” she said recently.
One of the students from TK Tidar Koe, Almer, shared his excitement about visiting the museum.
“Happy, I saw many things, including a ship,” said the five-year-old student.
Similarly, Siti Nizhomi, a student from SDITA At Tauhid, mentioned that she gained new knowledge and saw a variety of exhibits.
“There are many new things I saw, like replicas of tin mining tools. I now understand more about the history of tin and how the mining process takes place both on land and at sea,” she explained.
Khaira Wilda Kirana also expressed her excitement about visiting the museum.
“I’m very excited because there are so many interesting things. Usually, we can only see them in books, but now we can see in blocks and other tools in real life. It’s easier to understand because we see it firsthand,” she said.
The Timah Museum of Indonesia Pangkalpinang offers a wide variety of exhibits and information, making it an easily digestible educational resource for students.
Students attending the museum are given educational tours tailored to their grade level, from kindergarten through high school. They are guided through the museum, learning about the history of tin exploration and exploitation, from the colonial era to the modern day.
In addition to tours, the museum features interactive installations that allow students to better understand the process of tin mining and refining.
The use of visual technology and videos in the museum’s mini studio makes the information presented more engaging and easier for children to grasp. (*)
