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

December 9, 2025

PT PLN announced the resumption of the 150 kV Sumatra-Bangka Circuit II High Voltage Submarine Power Cable (SKLT) and High Voltage Power Cable (SKTT). The resumption of this submarine electricity network strengthens electricity supply to the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and improves the reliability of the region's electricity interconnection system.

PLN Project Management and New and Renewable Energy Director Suroso Isnandar stated that the resumption of the network is a crucial step in ensuring equitable distribution of national electricity supply.

"Reliable electricity is not only a basic need, but also a key driver of the economy. We ensure that the archipelago also benefits from the electricity transformation," Suroso said in a written statement on Nov. 11, 2025.

This power cable network was previously damaged in 2023, specifically in the R phase cable at a point located 14.7 kilometers (jm) from the Port of Tanjung Carat in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province, to Tanjung Subdistrict, Muntok District, West Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands. Since then, PLN has carried out a gradual restoration process, including technical inspections, reliability tests, and system synchronization.

The entire restoration process was completed with the energization process on Oct. 7, 2025. With the network's resumption, the power transfer capacity from the Sumatra to Bangka system increased from 60 megawatts (MW) to 100 MW.

PLN Southern Sumatra Main Development Unit General Manager Zaky Adikta explained that the restoration process included repairs to a 36-km SKLT and a 3.9-km SKTT connecting the Sumatra-Bangka system via Tanjung Carat-Muntok.

"Despite facing technical challenges, all work was completed thanks to the synergy between the local government, partners, and the community," he said.

PLN Bangka Belitung Main Regional Unit General Manager Ira Savitri expressed her appreciation for the support of various parties for the operation of this submarine power network.

"With this additional supply, Bangka Belitung's electricity supply is stable again and ready to support economic growth, the industrial sector, and public services," she said.

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