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Pangkalpinang

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Pangkalpinang is the capital city of the Bangka Belitung Islands province in Indonesia. It sits on the east coast of Bangka Island.

Sungai Rangkui Pangkalpinang, Bangka Island
Sungai Rangkui Pangkalpinang, Bangka Island

The city is divided into seven districts and 42 subdistricts. The Rangkui River flows right through the middle of the city. This river splits the town into two distinct parts. It eventually joins the Baturusa River, which flows out to the South China Sea. Because of these rivers, the city can face flooding during heavy rains or high tides.

The land here is often hilly and uneven. You might find hills in the west and south, like Mount Girimaya. Some areas have urban forests, while others are filled with swamps or forests. The soil in the city is often red-yellow or sandy. This soil is not great for growing rice, but people can grow many other things. Many residents work with food crops, livestock, and fishing. They also manage small plantations for rubber, pepper, and coconut.

The history of this place is very long and complex. Long ago, the area was part of the Srivijaya empire. During that time, people living there practiced Hinduism. Later, the region was part of the Majapahit and Mataram kingdoms. For a while, the area was even used as a hideout for pirates. Around 1709, people found tin on the banks of the Olin River. This discovery changed everything because merchants from China began to arrive.

Residentshuis te Pangkalpinang op Bangka
Residentshuis te Pangkalpinang op Bangka

Different groups have ruled the city over the years. The Dutch and the British both controlled the area at different times. During World War II, Japanese troops occupied the island as well. Today, the city is a busy part of independent Indonesia. The population has grown steadily over the years. In 2010, there were 174,838 people living there. By 2020, that number rose to 218,568 people. By mid-2022, the official estimate was 226,297 people.

Many different cultures make the city feel special. Most people are ethnic Malay or Hakka Chinese. You can see this in the many beautiful landmarks. There is the Timah Museum, which is the only tin museum in Asia. You can also visit the Jamik Mosque or the Fuk Tet Che Chinese temple.

邦加島檳港聖母廟(媽祖廟)
邦加島檳港聖母廟(媽祖廟)

For a relaxing day, people visit the Pasir Padi beach. The weather stays warm and tropical with heavy rain throughout the year.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:Residentshuis_te_Pangkalpinang_op_Bangka.jpg
Residentshuis_te_Pangkalpinang_op_Bangka.jpg
File:邦加島檳港聖母廟(媽祖廟).jpg
邦加島檳港聖母廟(媽祖廟).jpg
File:Sungai_Rangkui_Pangkalpinang,_Bangka_Island.jpg
Sungai_Rangkui_Pangkalpinang,_Bangka_Island.jpg
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