Belitung, an island to the north of Sumatra, has become famous with the screening of Laskar Pelangi based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Hirata. Belitung along with its sister island Bangka is known as the country’s biggest tin producer.

Tin mining began in the two islands in the 18th century with the arrival of people from China. Since then, people from different countries have fought to gain access to the islands.

During colonial times, tin mining was controlled by the Dutch administration. After independence, the mining was taken over by state-controlled enterprises. Since the implementation of regional autonomy in 1999, the local administration has allowed small-scale mining activities.

Since then, the number of small-scale mining activities has grown. They use high-pressure water pumps to excavate the earth, but these activities pose a threat to the environment.

Many students choose to leave school and take up working as mine laborers. The sum of Rp 60,000 (US$6) per day is enough of an attraction for them.

— Text and photos by Indra Harsaputra/The Jakarta Post