Pangkalpinang — Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Babel) province showed a rising trend throughout 2025. Despite budget constraints, various strategic programs were successfully implemented and had a positive impact on improving the quality of destinations, promotions, and tourist visits.
The Head of the provincial Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports Office, Wydia Kemala Sari, stated that 2025 is an important foundation for the sustainable and competitive development of Babel's tourism.
“The key is cross-sector collaboration. Even with limited resources, tourism development continues to run optimally on track,” said Wydia on Monday (12/29/2025).
Wydia further stated that one of the strategic steps being taken is the preparation of the Provincial Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARPROV) 2026–2045 as a long-term policy direction.
In terms of destination strengthening, the enhancement of community-based tourism human resources in 2025 is focused on Pelangas and Rambat Village in Bangka Barat Regency, as well as Keciput Village in Belitung Regency. In addition, the installation of signboards and destination information is carried out in Pangkalpinang City and West Bangka Regency to improve tourist comfort.
From a marketing perspective, Babel's tourism promotion continues to be strengthened through media publications, social media, tourism business meetings in Batam, and participation in national and international events such as the Bali Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) and Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF). Tourism information services are also available at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkalpinang and H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Belitung.
Throughout 2025, Babel tourist villages also achieved national and international recognition. Keciput Village in Belitung was listed among the Top 30 National Tourist Villages of 2025, Terong Village in Belitung received the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Village Award 2025, and Tanjung Binga Village in Belitung won the First Aspiring Winner at the Wonderful Indonesia Awards 2025.
In terms of visitors, the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that by October 2025, a total of 483,506 tourists visited Babel, consisting of 476,113 domestic tourists and 7,393 international tourists, a significant increase compared to 2024. Pangkalpinang City, Belitung Regency, and Bangka Regency were the areas with the highest number of visitors.
"With 640 tourist attractions, Babel's tourism is becoming increasingly competitive and is expected to continue driving the local economy," concluded Wydia. (Irwanto/SAS)
