Explore Babel 2026 to Involve 116 MSMEs, Transactions Targeted to Rise 15%

Bank Indonesia (BI) Bangka Belitung will involve 116 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Explore Babel 2026, to be held at Alun-Alun Taman Merdeka (ATM) in Pangkalpinang on 28 August 2026.

Head of the BI Bangka Belitung Representative Office Rommy S. Tamawiwy said this year’s Explore Babel marks the fifth edition. The event is part of BI’s efforts to encourage the public to recognise and develop regional potential.

“Explore Bangka Belitung has now reached its fifth year. The message we want to convey is that every person in Bangka Belitung must have the spirit to explore our beloved homeland. If not us, who else will introduce it,” said Rommy.

According to Rommy, 116 MSMEs will take part in the event, bringing various regional flagship products. The products on display include food and beverages, creative products, and wastra or traditional textiles.

BI Bangka Belitung is targeting a 10-15 per cent increase in MSME transactions during Explore Babel 2026 compared with the 2025 edition.

Explore Babel 2026 is not only intended as a platform to promote local products, but also as a means to strengthen MSME capacity while showcasing the potential of tourism, the creative economy, digitalisation, and regional economic activity.

A number of activities have been prepared to attract the public. The programme includes an MSME fashion show, wastra activities, a music competition, and a fun run targeted to attract around 1,000 participants.

BI hopes that Explore Babel 2026 can expand market access for local MSMEs. The event is also expected to increase business transactions and boost economic activity in Bangka Belitung.

By involving MSMEs and various creative economy sectors, Explore Babel 2026 is intended not only as a showcase for local products, but also as a space to promote regional potential to a wider public.