Menumbing Guesthouse

Origin and Founding History

Menumbing Guesthouse was built by the Dutch colonial tin company, Bangka Tin Winning Bedrijf (BTW), between 1927 and 1933. Initially, this building was not designed as a detention or political exile site. Its original function was as a resting place (pesanggrahan) or sanatorium for high-ranking officials of the Dutch tin company who wished to enjoy the cool mountain air and the view of the Bangka Strait from above.

The choice of location on the summit of Menumbing Hill was based on its geographically difficult-to-reach position, providing privacy and security for its inhabitants. However, it was precisely this characteristic of natural isolation that was later utilized by the Dutch colonial government to make Menumbing Guesthouse an exile site for important Indonesian figures following the Second Dutch Military Aggression in 1948.

Architectural and Construction Characteristics

Architecturally, Menumbing Guesthouse embodies the Indisch Empire style, heavily influenced by European design but adapted to the tropical climate. The building's structure is dominated by original mountain stone laid with high-level craftsmanship, giving it a sturdy, cool, and authoritative impression. Its thick walls, reaching 50-80 centimeters, function as natural temperature insulators.

The main building consists of two floors. The first floor has a spacious hall that now serves as a museum, while the second floor comprises rooms that were once occupied by national figures. One of the most prominent features is a small observation tower at the top, offering a 360-degree view of the Muntok forest and the open sea. Large windows with high-quality teak frames have been preserved, allowing for optimal air circulation despite being on a humid hilltop.

Strategic Role in the Independence Struggle

The historical significance of Menumbing Guesthouse peaked between December 1948 and July 1949. After the capital city of Yogyakarta fell into Dutch hands through the Second Military Aggression, the Republic's leaders were arrested and exiled. It was on Menumbing Hill that figures such as Drs. Moh. Hatta (Vice President), Mr. Assaat (Chairman of KNIP), Mr. Agus Salim (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Ali Sastroamidjojo, and Mr. Moh. Roem were detained.

Despite its status as an exile site, Menumbing Guesthouse transformed into an "Overseas Capital" for Indonesia's struggle. Within this building, crucial intellectual discussions took place. One of the most historic events was the formulation of the initial draft for the Roem-Roijen Agreement. The "table diplomacy" conducted by these figures here successfully countered Dutch arguments on the international stage, proving that the Republic of Indonesia's government still existed and held authority even with its leaders imprisoned.

Collections and Unique Historical Facts

Inside Menumbing Guesthouse, visitors can find very authentic physical traces. One of the most iconic collections is the Chrysler Windsor sedan car with license plate BN 10. This car was used to pick up and drop off Bung Hatta during his exile in Muntok. Despite being almost a century old, the car is still maintained as a symbol of the struggle's mobility.

On the second floor, room number 102 has been preserved in its original condition as when Bung Hatta occupied it. Inside the room are a simple iron bed, a work desk, and a chair that he used to write diplomatic letters and read books. Another unique fact is the presence of a small plaque indicating that this place was once visited by a delegation from UNCI (United Nations Commission for Indonesia), which came to ascertain the condition of the Indonesian leaders, ultimately pressuring the Dutch to expedite peace negotiations.

Preservation and Restoration Status

Currently, Menumbing Guesthouse holds the status of a National Cultural Heritage site protected under Law No. 11 of 2010. The West Bangka Regency Government, along with the Cultural Preservation Center, regularly undertakes conservation efforts to maintain the authenticity of the stone and wood materials of the building.

The restorations carried out so far have been very careful not to alter the original facade. The area surrounding the guesthouse is also designated as a conservation forest area, ensuring that the ecosystem on Menumbing Hill remains preserved, providing a calm and beautiful atmosphere for historical tourists. The transformation of this site into the Menumbing History Museum has made it a primary educational tourism magnet in the Bangka Belitung Islands.

Cultural Significance for the Bangka Community

For the local community in West Bangka, Menumbing Guesthouse is not just a tourist attraction but a symbol of pride in their identity. The presence of national figures in the past has left a legendary cultural imprint of "Bangka hospitality." History records how the local residents of Muntok secretly supplied food and necessities to the exiled Indonesian leaders, demonstrating strong nationalistic solidarity between the people of Bangka and the nation's founders.

Overall, Menumbing Guesthouse is a monument to the victory of diplomacy over armed force. From a distance, the stone building on the hilltop appears like a fortress, but within it lies the history of the intelligence, patience, and steadfastness of Indonesia's leaders in achieving national sovereignty. Visiting this site means delving back into the grand narrative of how Indonesia's independence was fought not only on the battlefield but also from behind silent walls on the summit of Menumbing Hill.