Bangka & Belitung Island

Bangka-Belitung is one of Indonesia provinces. It includes two large islands, Bangka and Belitung, and several smaller ones, which lie east of Sumatra, northeast of South Sumatra province. Bangka Belitung (BABEL) Islands province is the 31st Province in Indonesia, one of the newest provinces. Bangka Belitung get it’s approved as a new province in 2001 separated with south Sumatra. That acknowledgement is because of the people struggle. The region that was a great tin mines, now already to reach the new phase in its life. It provisioned with the beautiful of nature, and the uniquely of culture, Bangka Belitung step to the better future.

Supported by the “Serumpun Sabalai” spirit and abundant natural resources, it has been expecting a greater role to speed up the island region's development, namely Bangka regency, Belitung regency and Pangkal Pinang city through cooperation development. That potency of culture and tourism is also supported by its strategic location that can connect with other interesting area. The sea transportation that become the most accessibility in Bangka Belitung Island, is support its economics activities among the Islands.
The richness of Bangka Belitung Island of nature and tin mines until its maritime rich, make Bangka Belitung a magnet for the new comers to get a better life. A Balinese countryside is found in this Island named Giri Jati village, complete with all of Bali culture that remembering us to Bali Island. Beside Bali tribe, we also can found Bugis tribe that adds the various cultures in Bangka Balitung Island. This Bugis tribe can be found in the fishermen village at Tanjung Binga. Otherwise, the original tribe, Melayu culture has strong influence in the traditional ceremony and religious ceremony. One of the ceremonies is Rebo Kasan Ceremony that done by Air Anyer village people. It is believed that one day of a year, the God give His 320,000 angels in the world. The people must together to pray. This ceremony was held in the beach, but now on, it held in the mosque then continued to the beach. Formerly, this ceremony become the people party with its star party is ‘Dambus’ art.

Geographically
Bangka Belitung province is located between 104°50' - 109°30' East Longitude and 0°50' - 4°10' South Latitude, with its total area of 81,724.54 km.

Administrativelly
Administrativelly, Bangka Belitung comprises of 2 regencies and 1 city, namely Bangka regency, Belitung regency and Pangkal Pinang City, of which, the biggest regency's area is Bangka regency with 11,534.14 km area, and the smallest is Pangkal Pinang City, with 89.40 km area.

Climate
There are two seasons that are suitable for sailing to these islands: February-March and October-November, when the wind and the waves are low. The heaviest rainfall is around 2,500 mm per annum with its average temperature between 25°C - 26°C.

Population
In 2001, Babel's population was 920,729 consisted of 462,640 men and 458,089 women. The biggest population among the regencies was Bangka regency, 583,841 people, while the most density population was Pangkalpinang City, with its 1,396 people/km. In 2001, the growth of population reached 1.49 % per annum averagely. Labor. In 2000, its labor force recorded as many as 100,825 people.

The area of Bangka Belitung Archipelago Province, particularly Bangka Island, by turn became the conquered area of Sriwijaya Kingdom and Majapahit Kingdom. After the Dutch capitulation, it became the colony of England as The Duke of Island. On May 28, 1812 British Kingdom officially ended its authority based on London Convention August 13, 1824. The authority on Bangka Belitung then was transferred from MH. Court (Britain) to K. Hyces (Dutch) in Mentok on December 10, 1816.

In 1849 – 1851, Depati Amir War raised as the opposition to Dutch colonization, led by the regent Depati Barin and his son Depati Amir. However, Depati Barin must suffer great lost and be isolated to Air Mata village in West Nusa Tenggara.

Based on stbld. 565, December 2, 1933, Residential Bangka Belitung Onderhoregenhenden was formed on March 11, 1933, led by a Bangka Belitung resident consisted of 6 Onderafdehify led by the assistants of resident. There were 5 Onderafdehify in Bangka Island, which become 5 Karesidenan (residency), while 1 was in Belitung Island.

During Japan Colonization period, Bangka Belitung Residency was put under the authority of Military Government of Japan and called as Bangka Beliton Ginseibu.

After the Independence of Republic Indonesia was proclaimed, Bangka Council was formed by Dutch Government on December 10 1946 (based on stbl. 1946 no. 38), which was first led by Musarif Datuk Bandaharo Leo, inaugurated by Dutch Government on November 11, 1947. The council was acknowledged as high institution on autonomous government in Bangka Belitung. On January 23, 1948 (stbl. 1948 no. 123), Bangka Council, Belitung Council and Riau Council were united into Bangka Belitung and Riau Federation (FABERI) as the part of Federal Republic of Indonesia (RIS).

Based on the decree of the President of RIS no 141, year 1950, Bangka Belitung became the part of Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) until Act no 22 year 1948 was issued. On April 22, 1950, Bangka Belitung was under the administration of South Sumatra Governor Dr. Mohd. Isa, witnessed by Prime Minister DR. Hakim R. Soemardja, and Bana Belitung Council. As the Resident of Bangka Belitung in Pangkalpinang, R Soemardja was assigned.

Based on Temporary Constitution 1950, Act no 22 year 1948, and Emergency Act no 4 of November 16, 1956) Bangka Belitung Residency was under the administration of South Sumatra Province as Bangka Regency and Pangkalpinang Small Borough.

Based on Act no 1 year 1957, Pangkalpinang became Kota Praja (Municipality). On May 13, 1971, President Soeharto officially endorsed Sungailiat as the capital of Bangka Regency. In 2000, based on Act no 27 year 2000, The Province of Bangka Belitung Archipelago was formed and it consisted of Pangkalpinang Municipality, Bangka Regency and Belitung Regency. Then, since January 27, 2003, 4 new regencies, West Bangka Regency, Central Bangka Regency, South Bangka Regency and East Belitung Regency, have been formed as the splits of the previous two regencies, adding the previous 2 regencies and 1 municipality.