Province

Bangka Belitung

Overview Economy

Bangka Belitung, heaven of tin mining and natural tourism

Located off the eastern coast of Sumatra, the archipelagic province of Bangka Belitung comprises several smaller islets along with its two main islands, Bangka and Belitung. Following its formal recognition as a separate province from South Sumatra in 2000, Bangka Belitung became the 31st province of Indonesia.

As of 2023, Bangka Belitung is home to a population of 1.52 million people, marking the province as the least populous in Sumatra island. The communities are comprised of seven big religions, Islam (48.92 percent), Buddhism (24.19 percent), Confucianism (14.59 percent), Christianity (6.08 percent), Catholicism (2.76 percent), Taoism (4.16 percent), and Hinduism (0.08 percent).

Bangka Belitung’s natural landscape is characterized by rainforests, mangrove forests, foliage, and oceans, which are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and coral reefs filled with tropical species. One of the province’s most renowned natural features is the granite rock formations that dot the countryside. Additionally, Bangka Belitung boasts beaches such as Tanjung Tinggi Beach in Belitung, renowned for its golden sands and blue waters, and Parai Beach in Bangka, famous for its sunsets.

Beyond its natural splendor, Bangka Belitung is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. The province is home to a blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cultures, which have influenced the region's cuisine, architecture, and way of life. Traditional Malay houses adorned with intricate woodcarvings can be found in the province, along with bustling markets teeming with fresh seafood and spices.

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Economic development

Bangka Belitung’s economy has experienced a positive trend in recent years, with its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increasing from Rp 57 trillion in 2022 to Rp 60 trillion in 2023. The processing industry sector contributed the most to the GRDP in 2023 with Rp 12.7 trillion or 21.15 percent, followed by the agriculture sector with Rp 7.4 trillion or 19.49 percent, and the trade sector with Rp 8.6 trillion or 15.69 percent.

Notably, the name "Bangka" in Bangka Belitung is derived from the Sanskrit word Wangka meaning tin, which has historically been the mainstay of the local economy. Tin mining in the province started in the first century during the Palembang Empire, and since then, the province has been a significant contributor to national tin mining output, accounting for around 90 percent. This substantial contribution has made Indonesia the world’s second-largest tin reserve holder, after China, with reserves totaling 800,000 tonnes.

However, the mining sector’s contribution to Bangka Belitung’s GRDP declined by a negative 1.20 percent in 2023, indicating a shift in the province’s economic independence from natural resources to other socioeconomic resources.

Nevertheless, despite this shift, the mining sector remains Bangka Belitung’s most lucrative business opportunity, with Rp 1.9 trillion in investment growth in 2023. This was followed by investments in the metals industry at Rp 1.8 trillion, the food industry at Rp 1.1 trillion, and agriculture at Rp 962 billion. Overall, the province received Rp 9 trillion in investment in 2023, including Rp 1.07 trillion from foreign investors and Rp 7,9 trillion from domestic investors.

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Latest News

August 12, 2025

Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Hidayat Arsani stated that several Chinese companies are ready to invest and develop their businesses in Bangka Belitung Islands, specifically in Belinyu District, Bangka Regency, and in the Pasirpadi Beach area of Pangkalpinang City.

Hidayat Arsani delivered statement in Pangkalpinang City on July 29, 2025 after receiving a visit from the directors of several companies interested in investing in Bangka Belitung Islands. They include PT Hebei Port Group, PT Hai Yin, PT Noah Development Pty Ltd, PT Talenta Pty Ltd, PT CCCC Hehai Group, and PT CCCC First Harbor Engineering Company Ltd.

"Today is their third visit to Bangka Belitung Islands, which shows they are serious about investing as [the delegation] include top leaders of their companies," he said.

Hidayat added that the six Chinese companies will conduct a study by visiting the Belinyu District and Pasirpadi Beach areas to determine whether investment in Bangka Belitung Islands is feasible.

"Tomorrow they will visit in person to ensure the projects get underway quickly. We, as the government, just need to [help] them fulfill the administrative requirements, such as permits. We already have the [investment] concepts, and we will move quickly," he explained.

Hidyat divulged that the agreement during the visit regarding development in Belinyu is to turn the Port of Belinyu into an facility for exports, which include the construction of a container port for large ships. The port is planned to eventually help supply oil transported from the Port of Singapore.

"Meanwhile, the Pangkalpinang-2 project will be built at the Pasirpadi Beach area. Formerly known as Water Front City, [the Pangkalpinang-2 project] will be converted into a reclamation project. The concept includes a bridge connecting the two [main] islands [of the province]," he elaborated.

Hidayat expressed confidence that the investors would swiftly sign a cooperation agreement after visiting the two locations, and estimated the required funds for the two projects to be around Rp20 trillion.

PT Hebei Port Group Chief Executive Officer Meng Fan Hui stated that the companies planning to invest in Bangka Belitung are among the largest in the port industry.

"Given the warm welcome from Mr. Hidayat, I hope their visit will help realize the Governor's wishes for the progress of Bangka Belitung [Islands]," he said.

Meng believes this major collaboration plan could be realized because they also have partnerships with Chinese companies in Indonesia.

"They hope the planned collaboration will all run smoothly," he said.

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