BCA Hosts Multisport Festival to Boost Belitung's Economic Growth
Belitung Regency (ANTARA) - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BBCA) or BCA, together with MANA Group, is staging the myBCA Belitung Multisport Festival 2026, a multisport event to be held on Belitung Island on 25-26 April 2026.
The event is projected to generate a multiplier effect and stimulate local economic growth on Belitung Island.
“This activity is not just an ordinary sports festival as it also provides additional experiences for participants to explore routes along Belitung’s beaches and enjoy the available natural beauty,” said BCA’s SVP of Marketing Communication, Adrian, during a press conference in Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, on Friday.
More than 1,000 participants will take part in the event, which includes the Standard Distance Triathlon as the main category, a 2km Open Water Swim, runs of 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon (21K), as well as family-friendly events like the Pho3nix Kids Run and Fun Run.
“Visitors can also enjoy a vibrant exhibition area open to the public, including educational sessions,” Adrian added.
Belitung boasts captivating natural panoramas and has hosted various prestigious sports events, including the Belitung Triathlon and the Tour de Belitong cycling race.
This makes Belitung a perfect location for a new era of endurance sports in Indonesia.
“We also see the importance of this activity in encouraging the public to be more active and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle for better quality of life. Additionally, participants can enjoy Belitung’s natural beauty, known for its beach areas,” Adrian stated.
He continued that BCA’s participation in this event supports government efforts to enhance Indonesia’s sports industry.
The sports industry trend, which has grown in recent years, has proven to contribute to national economic growth.
“We believe this activity is not only a platform to channel sports hobbies and practise a healthy lifestyle but also further drives the local economy,” Adrian said.
On the same occasion, Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat stated that sports events like the myBCA Belitung Multisport Festival 2026 have a multiplier effect on Belitung’s tourism sector.
“In this regard, the presence of tourists can increase hotel occupancy rates and stimulate local SMEs. Sports events also contribute to tourist visits to Belitung,” Djoni remarked.
Throughout 2025, there were seven sports events out of a total of 69 tourism events in the Belitung area, with public interest continuing to rise.
Throughout 2025, total visits reached 29,941, with 28,165 being domestic tourists and 1,776 foreign tourists.
In line with this, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that the economy of Bangka Belitung Province grew by 4.09% year-on-year (yoy), higher than the previous year’s 0.77% (yoy).
“In 2025, tourist visit numbers began to rise gradually from April, peaking in December. Last year, December tourist visits to Belitung contributed about 10.2% of the total visits throughout 2025. Sports events are also an extraordinary driver of economic growth through visits to the region,” Djoni explained.
The myBCA Belitung Multisport Festival 2026 route will start from the Sheraton Belitung to Tanjung Kelayang Beach. Participants will traverse beautiful coastal roads to the iconic Tanjung Tinggi, then pass the serene Kelapa Beach and the historic Sijuk Mosque.
Regarding the triathlon competition, MANA Group’s Executive Chairman and four-time Ironman world champion triathlon legend Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack stated that triathlon is a challenging sport.
According to him, every triathlon venue offers different challenges, including Belitung. Understanding the environment and the route is one tip for successfully completing the triathlon and other categories.
“Hot weather and dry air are often encountered in beachside races, including in Belitung. Recognising the weather and field conditions, getting enough rest, and ensuring equipment readiness are keys to a successful triathlon. Similar preparation is needed for other categories. But ultimately, enjoy the process to the finish line,” Macca said.