The Ombilin Coal Mine is a historic coal mining site located in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It was established in the late 19th century during the Dutch colonial period and was in operation until 2006. The mine is considered a significant heritage site, as it played a crucial role in the development of coal mining in Indonesia, and its workers were at the forefront of the country's labor movement.
The Ombilin Coal Mine was the first coal mining site in Indonesia to use modern equipment and technologies, and it played a critical role in the country's industrialization. The mine was managed by the Dutch colonial government until Indonesia's independence in 1945, after which it was nationalized and run by the Indonesian government.
The Ombilin Coal Mine was also an important center of labor activism in Indonesia. The miners at the site formed unions and were involved in various strikes and protests over the years, demanding better working conditions and higher wages. The labor movement at the mine was a significant part of the broader workers' struggle for rights and better conditions in Indonesia.
Today, the Ombilin Coal Mine is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is open to visitors who wish to learn more about the history of coal mining in Indonesia and the country's labor movement. Visitors can tour the mine and see the various structures and equipment used during its operation, as well as learn about the conditions faced by the miners and the history of the labor movement at the site.