BANGKA BARAT -- Muntok City in West Bangka Regency has various tourism potentials. Not only its natural beauty but also has a historical tourist attraction.
If you visit Bangka Barat, it's incomplete if you don't visit the Muntok Indonesian Tin Museum.
At MTI Muntok we can look back at the history of tin mining to the tools used in tin mining from time to time.
MTI Muntok is located in the heart of Muntok city. In the museum, 70 percent present the history of tin, the rest contains national, Malay, and international history. MTI also has a World War II gallery.
MTI Muntok has been designated as a cultural heritage of West Bangka since it was inaugurated on December 13, 2013. Now MTI has become a tourist attraction and one of the tourist destinations for visitors, both local and even foreign tourists when visiting Bangka Barat.
According to the Chairman of MTI, Muntok Fakhrizal, MTI is a supporter of tourism in West Bangka. MTI presents historical tours not only from the building but its contents will also make visitors want to explore every side of the museum.
At MTI Muntok we can also see various historical objects and also various other interesting collections.
"MTI supports West Bangka tourism and West Bangka tourism. Apart from tourists visiting the building," he said.
Don't worry, if you visit MTI you will also be accompanied by a guide who will explain every history in MTI Muntok. Besides reading, you can also discuss with the guides at MTI.
"There are three people who guide the museum as well as local tour guides, they already have knowledge of the history and cultural heritage of the city of Muntok, as well as knowledge of English," he added.
During the MTI pandemic, Fakhrizal admitted that the level of museum visits had decreased. Due to regulations, the museum is closed.
"Now that Covid has subsided, MTI, although receiving visitors, still applies strict health protocols. We are grateful for all operations The museum is funded directly by PT Timah. So visitors come free of charge," he explained.
Fakhrizal said that in February 2022 the museum will repair its facilities and infrastructure.
"In February 2022, PT Timah will repair the structure of the building and gallery. This is intended to provide security, visitor comfort and the attraction of the museum, to attract more visitors," he said.
For those who want to visit MTI Muntok, this museum is open every day except Friday from 09.00-16.00 WIB. Let's enjoy a tour of the history of tin at the Muntok Indonesian Tin Museum. (**)