Bangka
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. 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. The geography location was quite advantageous for various economic sector developments, due to its strategic position within the economic growth triangle: Singapore-Johor-Riau and Batam region as well as Natuna Island. Considering its archipelago characteristics, the sea transportation has been the focus of development. It is true that the sea transportation infrastructure is a requisite to support its economic activities, particularly accessibility among the islands. Besides, the government dedicatedly provides the accomplishment of other economic infrastructures such as building quays, developing new sea routes and cargo shipping availability. In addition, the government has been develope the landing area of its airport (Bandara Depati Amir) at Pangkal Pinang in order to serve Boeing 737 airplane.Its wealth lies under the ground in tin, bauxite and other minerals. White pepper is the main commercial crop and it looks great as the bushes stand several meters high in well-tended rows. Date plantations are also found in this area. The sea provides another source of wealth. There are approximately 55 Chinese or Buddhist temples on Bangka, alone which are still in use. The Chinese make up at least 20% of Babel population. The majority of the Chinese are direct descendants of the coolies who worked the tin mines. The oldest temple is in Batu Rusa, a village along the road from Pangkal Pinang to Liat River. A beautifully decorated temple is found near Tayu in the north of Bangka Island. A variety of endemic plant and animal species are found in the rain forest pockets on the islands. Various brilliantly colored lorikeets and parrots are included amongst the abundant bird life.
This new province lies east of South Sumatra. Bangka Strait separates Sumatra and Bangka, and Gaspar Strait separates Bangka and Belitung. The South China Sea is to the north, Java Sea is to the south, and Karimata Strait separates Borneo to the east from Belitung. The province was formerly part of South Sumatra, but became an independent province along with Banten and Gorontalo in 2000. The capital city of this province is Pangkalpinang.
