PANGKALPINANG -- The Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang managed by PT Timah is one of the tourist attractions in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
PT Timah Tbk is not only known as the largest mining company in Indonesia but is also committed and highly concerned about preserving history and culture.
Through the existence of the Indonesian Tin Museum, is a real effort made by PT Timah to support historical education and introduce the heritage of the tin industry to the wider community.
The charm of the Indonesian Tin Museum Pangkalpinang is timeless. Various collections about tin mining in Indonesia and Bangka Belitung increase visitors' insight.
The Indonesian Tin Museum has various interesting collections, such as miniature tin mining ships, tin mining equipment, mining drills left by the Dutch, classic locomotives, dioramas, reliefs of tin mining history, and others.
MTI Pangkalpinang is always crowded with tourists, students, and the general public. From mid-January to June 2024, MTI Pangkalpinang was visited by 13,883 people.
Bangka Belitung Historian and Cultural Expert, Akhmad Elvian said that the Tin Museum established by PT Timah is a form of PT Timah's commitment to provide education to the public about the history of tin in Indonesia.
"PT Timah has established two tin museums, the Pangkalpinang Indonesian Tin Museum and the Mentok Indonesian Tin Museum. In fact, there used to be a plan to build a museum in Sungailiat and Belinyu. This is a form of PT Timah's attention to educate and educate the wider community," he said some time ago.
According to him, the museum has many functions such as education, inspiration and recreation. So the existence of the museum is important to preserve historical memory.
He explained, that the Museum is a means of education, where visitors can see a collection of historical and regional memories, and the younger generation can continue to learn about the history of tin, technology, figures who play a role in tin, and the legend of tin in Bangka.
As an inspirational function, said Akhmad Elvian by looking at the existing tin mining system, technology from year to year has inspired people to create new things or adopt existing ones.
"The museum also has a recreational function, because the building is also historical. It can be a tourist destination for those visiting Pangkalpinang," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Communications of PT Timah Anggi Siahaan said that PT Timah is aware of the importance of preserving the history of the industry that has made a major contribution to economic and social development in Indonesia, especially in Bangka Belitung.
The Indonesian Tin Museum is a means for PT Timah to share knowledge and the history of the tin industry with the younger generation, students, and the general public.
"Through the Indonesian Tin Museum, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of the importance of the tin industry in the development of Indonesian history and economy. This museum is also a form of our responsibility to preserve the cultural and historical heritage that has become part of the identity of Bangka Belitung," explained Anggi.
The existence of this museum is also a symbol of PT Timah's commitment to continue to contribute to society, not only in the economic aspect but also in the educational and cultural preservation aspects. (*)
