PANGKALPINANG – The Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung, Sugito, expressed his admiration for the Indonesian Tin Museum (MTI) in Pangkalpinang, which is managed by PT Timah. Located in the heart of Pangkalpinang, the museum houses a diverse collection showcasing the history of tin mining.
Sugito shared his impressions during his visit to the museum last week. Accompanied by Acting Regional Secretary of Bangka Belitung, Ferry Afriyanto, he enthusiastically explored the various exhibits on tin mining history while listening to explanations from the museum guide.
Having served as Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung for over seven months, this was Sugito’s first visit to the Indonesian Tin Museum in Pangkalpinang.
He highlighted that the museum not only preserves the history of tin mining but also serves as an educational hub on the civilization of Bangka Belitung.
"My first impression upon arriving was that this place has a strong heritage feel, as the building dates back to the Dutch colonial era. It offers a glimpse into the past, especially when viewing historical artifacts and documents," said Sugito on Thursday (20/3/2025).
According to him, the existence of the Indonesian Tin Museum serves as a reminder for visitors and future generations not to forget history.
"From various references, starting from the VOC era to the present, everything is well-documented in this museum. It is not just about history but also serves as an educational resource on Bangka Belitung's mineral wealth," he added.
Sugito hopes that the Indonesian Tin Museum in Pangkalpinang will continue to be preserved and further developed to enrich the knowledge of future generations.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the museum should be optimized as a tourist destination in Pangkalpinang, as it holds great attraction.
"Tourism is not only about nature but also history, heritage, and the creative economy. I believe the Indonesian Tin Museum (MTI) in Pangkalpinang has the potential to become a tourist attraction that combines history and education. It provides historical context about Bangka Belitung’s civilization and scientific knowledge related to mining," he explained.
In 2024, the Indonesian Tin Museum in Pangkalpinang recorded 23,957 visitors, with the majority being students. Other visitors included domestic tourists, international tourists, university students, and local travelers.
Managed by PT Timah, the Indonesian Tin Museum in Pangkalpinang offers an educational experience through its collection of historical artifacts, documentation of mining processes, and technological advancements in the tin industry from the colonial era to modern times.
With hundreds of exhibits related to tin mining, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the long journey of the tin industry and its significant contributions to national development. (*)
