Bangka Belitung to hold local durian contest to boost national recognition

The Provincial Government of the Bangka Belitung Islands will hold a local durian contest as part of efforts to develop regional agriculture and elevate the standing of the area’s distinctive durians to the national level. Governor Hidayat Arsani stated in Pangkalpinang on Sunday that the contest is not merely a competition, but a concrete step to preserve the genetic resources of local durians, enhance the economic value of the region’s flagship commodity, and promote it nationally. The local durian contest will be held on 9 July 2026 at the Pelangas Village football field in Simpang Teritip District, West Bangka Regency, as part of the Jerieng Tribe Cultural Festival, ‘Pesona Budaya Jerieng’. Initiated by the Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, the Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office, and the tourism village, the contest is open to all residents of the Bangka Belitung Islands who own superior durian trees, with free registration from 1 to 7 July 2026. The governor expressed hope that the durian contest and the Jerieng Tribe Cultural Festival will encourage West Bangka to become a leading cultural tourism destination that attracts quality tourists, stimulates the local economy, and delivers tangible benefits to the community. He noted that Bangka Belitung possesses a wealth of potential local durian varieties, such as tai babi and super tembaga, among others. Through this contest, the government aims to provide a platform for farmers and owners of superior durian trees to showcase the best fruit the region has to offer. He added that besides serving as a promotional event, the contest is expected to spur the emergence of superior varieties capable of competing in the national market. The provincial government continues to strive to strengthen the agriculture sector based on local potential as a driver of the community’s economy. Head of the Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, Kurniawan, expressed hope that through this contest, Bangka Belitung durians will become more widely known, highly competitive, and a source of pride for the community at the national level.