Tin Ball is projected to become Belitung's new icon, combining tourism and the history of the local tin mining industry.

Belitung does not only offer white sand beaches and coastal landscapes as its main tourist attractions. Right at the entrance of Tanjungpendam Beach tourist area, the "Tin Ball" monument has been prepared as a new local icon, while also serving as a reminder of the long history of tin mining in the land of Laskar Pelangi.

Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat stated that the presence of this monument will provide additional experience options for visitors. The Tin Ball does not only function as a landmark, but also carries the story of tin commodity that has been deeply intertwined with the entire development journey of Belitung.

"This 'Tin Ball' monument and landmark, which preserves the full tin mining history of Belitung Island, will become a new magnet for Belitung tourism," he stated after the signing ceremony for the asset conciliation document of former PT Timah assets in Tanjungpandan.

According to Djoni, this monument represents the grand legacy of Belitung's tin mining industry. Its establishment is part of the regional government's efforts to preserve the history of this industry, while introducing it to visitors through an easily recognizable public icon.

This initiative also serves as a form of respect for the long journey of Belitung's tin mining sector. This industry once held a central role in the local regional economy, and also left a notable footprint in the development of the global economy.

For the regional administration, the history of tin mining is not merely a forgotten part of the past. Its traces are an integral part of Belitung's heritage, therefore it must be preserved, remembered, and introduced to future generations.

For this reason, the Tin Ball is expected to carry a broader dual role: both as an educational historical reminder space and as a standalone tourist destination.

"We hope this Tin Ball monument will become a new icon of pride for local communities as well as visiting tourists, just like famous landmark icons across the world," he added.

Djoni compared this concept to one of Singapore's well-known icons. While Singapore has the Universal Studios Globe, he stated Belitung will have its Tin Ball, carrying its own unique and authentic historical story.

The hope is that visitors will not only travel to Belitung to enjoy its beaches and nature, but will also commemorate their visit through this distinct regional identity icon.

"One day we want people arriving in Belitung to say: this is where the Tin Ball stands. A public symbol that Belitung holds a significant, grand history of tin mining," he said.

Support for this asset repurposing for tourism development came from Restu Widyantoro, Director of PT Timah (Persero) Tbk. He expressed hope that company assets including the Tin Ball Monument will deliver tangible shared benefits for the region and local communities.

"We want all these assets to bring real benefits for the people, especially to support the sustainable tourism development of Belitung," he stated.

Located right at the front entrance of Tanjungpendam Beach tourist area, the Tin Ball has strong potential to become a new stopping point in Belitung tourism itineraries.

When managed properly alongside its full historical narrative, this monument will complement Belitung's natural attractions, while also introducing visitors to another, lesser-known side of the island.