20 Thousand Visitors Flock to Kobalorasi, Central Bangka MSMEs Reap Benefits

The fourth Kobalorasi has proven to be more than just a public entertainment stage, demonstrating the potential of a regional event as a driver of tourism and the local economy. Over five days, thousands of visitors packed Koba City Square in Central Bangka, simultaneously energising transactions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The event, held from 18 to 22 August 2026, featured arts performances, music, culinary offerings, MSME products, and various community activities. This year’s Kobalorasi carried the theme ‘Koba from Time to Time’ and was organised to commemorate the 172nd anniversary of Koba City and the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.

Central Bangka Regent Algafri Rahman said the public’s enthusiasm shows that Kobalorasi has a continuously growing appeal. Around 300 MSME players were involved and given space to introduce their products while expanding their markets.

‘Over these five days, we estimate that money circulation could reach hundreds of millions of rupiah. This is a blessing for the traders,’ Algafri said on the closing night, Saturday (22/8/2026).

The number of businesses involved shows that Kobalorasi has developed far beyond a mere annual celebration agenda. The event has become a meeting point between public crowds, local products, culinary offerings, culture, and community economic activity.

Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Hidayat Arsani assessed that the high number of visits opens greater opportunities for MSMEs and the regional economy. He estimated that around 20,000 people attended during the Kobalorasi series, with the largest concentration of visitors occurring on the closing night.

‘Extraordinary. Especially with up to 300 MSMEs. So every day while it is open, the money circulation is substantial. Moreover, on the closing night, the community came in great numbers,’ Hidayat said.

The crowd also serves as important capital for the tourism sector. However, the challenge is ensuring that the large number of visitors does not stop as a momentary gathering, but can be converted into destination promotion and increased tourist spending.

Head of the Bangka Belitung Islands Provincial Tourism Office Eko Kurniawan said Kobalorasi can serve as a means to introduce Koba’s character more broadly. Culture, culinary offerings, MSME products, and community activities can be woven into a distinctive tourism experience.

‘This event is part of promoting tourism. Not only culture, but also its culinary offerings, especially with so many MSME players involved,’ Eko said.