REMNANTS of the golden age of tin mining are still found at Bukit Samak on the Island of Belitung off the eastern coast of Sumatra. Mediterranean-style houses supported by huge pillars on fine terraces line the back of the hills overlooking the Straits of Kalimata below. The houses in Manggar in the district of East Belitung, used to be the residences of executives of PT Timah tin mining company.

Today, most of the houses are in disrepair, abandon