The residents of Terong Village in Belitung have transformed their community from a landscape scarred by tin mining into a thriving, economically vibrant tourist destination. Historically, Belitung served as the primary hub for the national tin industry, providing 90% of the country’s supply. This legacy left the island dotted with abandoned mining pits—visible from 1,500 meters in the air as distinct, fragmented craters across the terrain.
Refusing to let environmental degradation define their future, the people of Terong Village took matters into their own hands. By converting their village into a creative tourism hub, they have successfully restored the land’s image while simultaneously boosting the local economy. Located on the northern coast of Belitung Regency, the village is conveniently situated just 27.5 kilometers—about a 40-minute drive—from H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport.
Village Head Iswandi explains that the journey to establish the Creative Tourism Village of Terong began in 2013. The inspiration struck following the massive surge in tourism to Belitung after the success of the film Laskar Pelangi. While travelers flocked to hotspots like Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, Terong remained overlooked. Determined to differentiate their village, Iswandi and his community adopted a new development concept.
Inspired by the success of Pentingsari Tourism Village in Yogyakarta—and with guidance as a partner of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BBCA)—the residents committed to years of grueling manual labor. During weekends and holidays, they worked together, using nothing but shovels and hoes to fill the abandoned mining pits by hand. After three and a half years of collective effort, the pits were reclaimed, and the village began offering tourism packages in 2016.
The centerpiece of their efforts is Aik Rusa Berehun, a former mining site reclaimed by the community. Today, it features MSME facilities, an arts performance stage, meeting gazebos, and a fishing pond. The village offers an immersive educational experience, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine by the man-made pond or hike through trails that showcase the dramatic recovery of the landscape.
A major cultural draw is the Makan Bedulang, a traditional Belitung communal dining experience. A set, priced at Rp 250,000, typically includes local favorites like yellow curry fish, fried squid, and chicken in soy sauce. The ritual follows a strict protocol: the youngest person serves plates to the elders, and rice is ladled out in order of seniority. Conversely, side dishes are served starting with the eldest, a practice that embodies the core values of community spirit and respect for elders.
While the pandemic caused tourism revenue to dip from a peak of Rp 500 million in 2020 to Rp 200 million, the initiative remains a testament to the community’s resilience and economic potential.
Beyond Terong, another must-visit destination in Belitung is Bukit Peramun. Standing 129 meters above sea level, the hill offers breathtaking views of Belitung’s iconic granite formations and the vast South China Sea. It is a premier spot for sunset viewing and, for lucky visitors, a rare chance to spot the Tarsius, a small primate active during the evening hours.
Strategically located between Tanjung Pandan City and the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone, Bukit Peramun has been managed by the Arsel Community Forest Group since 2006. Since opening to the public in 2017, the area has pioneered a community-based tourism model. In fact, it was named the first digital forest in Indonesia managed by a local community by the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI).
The village’s commitment to innovation is highlighted by its Android-based virtual guide app, which helps visitors identify various plant species. IT support specialist Wahyu Ramadhan explains that the app was created to solve the limitations of verbal tours. By providing interactive audio and visual information, the app offers a richer, more engaging experience than the previous, impractical barcode system. Furthermore, the forest management remains strictly eco-friendly, using temporary black-and-white paint markings on trees that require no nails or wires, ensuring the preservation of the natural environment.
Summary
The residents of Terong Village in Belitung have successfully revitalized their community by transforming former tin mining sites into a vibrant creative tourism destination. Through years of manual labor and community-led initiatives, the village reclaimed abandoned mining pits, such as Aik Rusa Berehun, to offer cultural experiences like the traditional Makan Bedulang dining ritual. This collective effort, which began in 2013, has turned the once-degraded landscape into an economically sustainable hub for local arts and tourism.
In addition to Terong, Bukit Peramun has emerged as a pioneer in community-based ecotourism by functioning as Indonesia’s first digital forest. Managed by the Arsel Community Forest Group, the site integrates technology through an Android-based virtual guide app to educate visitors while preserving the natural ecosystem. Together, these initiatives highlight the resilience of Belitung’s communities in fostering environmental restoration and innovation to drive local economic growth.
