MORE than 30,000 visitors are expected at one of Labuan’s major arts and cultural events this year.
Organised by Labuan Corporation (LC), the three-day Borneo Arts Festival 2026 (BAF 2026) from Sept 25 to 27 will feature cultural, artistic and community-based programmes showcasing Borneo’s diverse creative heritage.
LC chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail said the festival was expected to attract visitors from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
He said the event, to be held at the Financial Park Complex Convention Centre, would boost the local economy.
“We estimate that more than 30,000 people will visit Labuan throughout the festival period.
“We hope the event will create a vibrant atmosphere across the island while giving visitors the opportunity to experience the richness of Borneo’s arts and culture,” he told Bernama.
Rithuan said BAF 2026 would feature competitions and performances such as the Borneo Creative Dance competition, “Tingkah Geruh” Dance Battle, Jogethon, the National Creative Costume Fashion Design competition and Sound of Borneo solo instrumental competition.
The festival will also feature performances by artistes, visual arts exhibitions and workshops, a Borneo handicraft exhibition and sales, an artisan market and LC’s Customer Day.
Other programmes include the National Language Decade programme and “Citra Minda” Intergenerational Programme.
Rithuan said the festival was a platform for artists, cultural performers, craftsmen and creative industry players, enabling the public to appreciate the different traditions and artistic expressions found locally.
“BAF is not merely about performances.
“It is also a platform to bring communities together, provide exposure to local creative talents and create economic opportunities for traders, artisans and tourism-related businesses.
“We also hope the festival will generate positive spillover for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and other local businesses.”
Rithuan hopes the festival will strengthen Labuan’s position as a destination for cultural and event-based tourism, while encouraging greater interaction among communities across Borneo.
The festival will culminate with its closing ceremony on Sept 27, scheduled to be officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
“We want visitors to come to Labuan not only to attend the festival, but also to discover the island, its people and what it has to offer,” Rithuan said.
