Historic Gold Mine in Salido Ketek

Batang Salido River in Kenagarian Tambang, IV Jurai
(by Adlenaline)

Salido Ketek or Small Salido, so the old people call it. Located in Kenagarian Tambang, IV Jurai, Pesisir Selatan District. Distance from the city center of Painan, the capital of Pesisir Selatan District is only about 30 minutes away by motorbike. 

Historically, the Dutch colonial times never operated a gold mine in Salido Ketek. Gold mine is managed by the VOC (Dutch) for about 150 years. Gold mine is one of the oldest gold mines in Indonesia.

As told by Efni Dewita, circa 1980's can still be found carcasses Jeep Willys owned by the Dutch. But now the area has become a jungle, because there is no longer a working miner. Now only traces remaining pit, in the surrounding hills of Salido Ketek, from Kenagarian Tambang to Gunung Harun Hill. 

Unfortunately, until now there has not yet tour pit mine developed by the Pesisir Selatan Disctrict Government or investor to serve as a historical attraction. In fact, one of the mine pit located at the foot of the Gunung Lala Hill, Kenagarian Tambang has a length of over 28 kilometers. In fact, the mine pit through to Batang Kapeh within approximately 30 kilometers of the site. 

In order to reach the gold mine Salido Ketek, must first pass through hundreds of steps made of natural stone of hundred years old. There are about 150 stairs were very steep and slippery, to be up in the hills. In the vicinity of the site, is still standing remains of mine buildings Dutch heritage.

Roads stairs leading to hydroelectric
(PLTA) Salido Ketek
(by Adlenaline)

On the landing there is a water to flow turbine hydroelectric (PLTA) through large pipes. Hydroelectric (PLTA) Salido Ketek is also the former Dutch heritage, built to meet the electricity needs of a gold mine and cement factory Semen Padang in Indarung, Padang. 

Hydroelectric (PLTA) Salido Ketek was built in 1913, is one of Indonesia's oldest hydroelectric (PLTA) plant. Reportedly there is a plan of the Pesisir Selatan District Government to turn back, to meet the electricity needs Painan City and Pesisir Selatan District. 

If you continue down the path upstream water, will find a tunnel water about 500 meters long. At that location if there is a drain water bridge over the valley in the Salido Ketek hills. View of the valley around the water bridge is very beautiful.

Water dam in Salido Ketek, Kenagarian Tambang
(by Adlenaline)

Continuing the journey of the location of the water bridge, will reach to Batang Salido River water dam. Of dam that water enters the turbine hydroelectric (PLTA) Salido Ketek. Dam location is usually used by people as natural baths attraction.

Batang Salido River has a very cool water. River currents flowing between boulders. Meanwhile, the surrounding scenery is very beautiful. However, the location is still very rare known by tourists, especially tourists from outside the Pesisir Selatan District.