Bangka Belitung: The History of Bangka Belitung

Bangka Island History

During the 17th Century, Hindu people from Siantan and Johor of Malaysia inhabited Bangka Island. Subsequently it was occupied by Sriwijaya Kingdom (686 AD) who was written "Wangka" which means "Tin" on a stone, that's why Bangka Island is also called "Tin Island", the stone was found in the Western part of the island, near Kota Kapur, now the stone still can be seen at the National Museum in Jakarta.

Bangka was ceded to Britain by sultan of Palembang in 1812, but in 1814 it was exchanged with the Dutch for Cochin in India. The Japanese from 1942 to 1945 occupied the island. It became part of Indonesia independent in 1949. The island, together with neighboring Belitung, was formerly part of South Sumatra province, but in 2000 the two islands became the new province of Bangka-Belitung. Bangka is famous for two other events; the Banka Island Massacre in WWII by the Japanese of Australian Nurses and as reputedly the setting for the book "Lord Jim" by Joseph Conrad. Bangka is also home to a number of Indonesians communist that has been under house arrest since the 1960's and are not permitted to leave the island.

Belitung Island History

As a part of the Nation archipelago, Belitung or also known as Biliton, was a part of Sriwijaya kingdom in 7th century and a part of Majapahit kingdom in 10th century. The latest rules before occupied by European, the island is a part of Palembang sultanate. There was small sultanate in this island, which is Balok sultanate in South and Sijuk sultanate in North. But the documents about these 2 sultanates are less. This area has valuable tin mines and worked chiefly by the Chinese labor. In 1812 British ceded Belitung but in 1824 the British recognized Dutch claims to Belitung. It was formerly known and called as Biliton. During Dutch occupation the tin mining industry was began. Most of Belitung residence worked in the tin mining industry and some of the workers emigrated from China. The mining industry is still continuing until now. In 1950 Belitung became a part of Indonesia and became one among 8 district in South Sumatra province with Palembang as the capital. The main city and port is stay at Tanjungpandan.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com