BANGKA BARAT – The Indonesia Tin Museum (MTI) in Mentok has become one of the favorite destinations for students eager to learn about the history of tin mining in Indonesia, particularly in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
Unsurprisingly, the Indonesia Tin Museum, located in Mentok, West Bangka Regency, is frequently visited by students seeking to explore the historical traces of tin mining in Bangka Belitung.
Students from various regions visit the museum to view its extensive collection, which includes artifacts related to the history of tin mining, mining tools, and more.
Beyond tin mining history, the museum also features galleries dedicated to the history of Bangka and Mentok, social and cultural heritage, and the impact of World War II in Mentok.
Built in 1915, the Indonesia Tin Museum in Mentok is a Dutch colonial-era structure rich in history and designated as a cultural heritage site in West Bangka.
One of the schools that recently visited the museum was SDN 3 Pangkalpinang. Their trip aimed to introduce students to and deepen their knowledge of Bangka Belitung’s historical significance.
"The visit to the Mentok Museum is part of our educational curriculum, designed to help students connect with their local history—especially in Bangka Belitung, which is renowned for its tin industry," said Dede, a teacher from SDN 3 Pangkalpinang, during a recent visit to MTI.
Similarly, Ali Mafrohim, Principal of MTS Plus Bahrul Ulum Islamic Centre in Sungailiat, Bangka, stated that their visit was part of an educational program called Rihlah Tarbawiyah Tanazzuhiyah, aimed at exploring historical sites, including the Indonesia Tin Museum.
He hopes that through this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of Bangka’s tin mining history, enriching their knowledge.
"One of the reasons we chose Mentok as a destination is because it offers remarkable historical sites. The museum was one of our key stops," he said.
Kania, a student from MTS Plus Bahrul Ulum Islamic Centre in Sungailiat, Bangka, shared her excitement about the visit.
"The museum is impressive. We learned about many things we didn't know before, such as the history of tin, the history of Mentok, and the Menumbing site," said Kania.
Aska, a fifth-grade student from SDN 3 Pangkalpinang, also expressed enthusiasm about the museum’s architecture and exhibits.
"There are so many fascinating things to see, such as the museum building itself, the statues dressed in PT Timah uniforms and traditional attire, and many other exhibits," he said. (*).
