BANGKA -- Gebong Memarong Traditional Village in Air Abik Hamlet, Gunung Muda Village, Bangka Regency is a historical tourism destination developed by PT Timah together with the Mapur Customary Institution.
The presence of Gebong Memarong Traditional Village is a concrete step by PT Timah in supporting the preservation of culture, traditions and local wisdom of the community in the Company's operational area.
In this area, seven stilt-shaped houses with wooden floors, nipa roofs and bark walls have been built, which are traditional houses of the Mapur indigenous people.
Gebong Memrong Traditional Village is a traditional area that has historical value which is now developing into a cultural educational tourist destination, as well as a learning space for the younger generation.
It is not surprising that today, Gebong Memarong Traditional Village is often visited by tourists and students from various schools to learn firsthand about the traditions of the Mapur indigenous people.
The Daily Chairperson of the Mapur Customary Institution, Asih Harmoko, said that the Mapor Customary Institution has collaborated with various universities and schools to make Mapor Traditional Village an educational tour for students and students.
"For academic institutions, we work with universities or schools in Bangka Belitung. In 2025 alone, there will be approximately 2000 visits from young generation students," he said.
One of the schools that visited Gebong Memarong Traditional Village was SMAN 1 Riau Silip, Principal of SMAN 1 Riau Silip Kurniati said the existence of Gebong Memarong Traditional Village is a valuable asset.
"The existence of the Gebong Memarong Traditional Village is an extraordinary educational asset. We make Gebong Memarong a cultural educational tourism location. Children can learn about weaving, dambus music, and the customs of the ancestors. This is a cultural laboratory for students," she said.
Kurniati also added that the presence of Kampung Adat can help the economic turnover for MSME players such as handicrafts, home decor and herbal medicines.
PT Timah supports the preservation of the Gebong Memarong custom every year. Traditional traditions that are maintained can be a magnet for tourists and open up economic opportunities for local SME practitioners.
“The existence of PT Timah with the TJSL program which holds a cultural strengthening program is an extraordinary thing, thank you PT Timah for supporting this cultural custom,” he said.
One of the students from SMAN 1 Riau Silip, Eko Adi Permana, expressed his desire to be able to disseminate traditional culture in the Bangka Belitung Islands.
“As a young generation, I have a desire to disseminate information about one of the Bangka Belitung tribes to the outside world through social media or online media so that it is increasingly recognized by tourists and the next generation of the nation in Indonesia,” he said.
PT Timah Tbk actively contributes in supporting cultural preservation programs, as well as showing its commitment to by providing support to indigenous communities, one of which is Lembaga Adat Mapur.
PT Timah's initiative in developing traditional tourism is also in line with the principles of sustainable tourism. The customary tourism development program in Kampung Adat Gebong Memarong is a tangible form of the company's efforts in supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially in the aspects of inclusive economy and cultural preservation. (*)
