BINTULU – The skies above the coastal town were filled with vibrant colours and intricate designs as the 19th edition of the Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) commenced this week.
Held at the historic Bintulu Old Airport Site, the event has once again proven to be a significant driver for the local tourism and hospitality sectors, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe.
Tanjong Batu State Assemblyman, Ts Johnny Pang Leong Ming, officially opened the festival on Thursday, highlighting its dual role as a cultural spectacle and an economic engine.
He noted that hosting an international-calibre event does more than just entertain; it places Bintulu firmly on the global map while generating tangible benefits for local enterprises and the wider community.
“BIKF is not just a festival. It will boost the tourism sector, support local businesses and open up economic opportunities for the community,” he said. His remarks underscored the strategic importance of such events in diversifying the state’s tourism offerings beyond traditional nature-based attractions.
The scale of participation this year reflects the growing prestige of the festival. According to Mohd Ansari Mohd Syed Ahmad, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Services at the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), the event attracted 154 kite flyers from 19 different countries.
Additionally, participants from ten states within Malaysia joined the festivities, demonstrating strong domestic interest alongside international appeal.
Achieving these numbers was no small feat, given the current global economic climate. Organisers faced headwinds including rising airfare costs, fluctuating travel schedules, and broader financial pressures affecting international mobility.
Despite these challenges, the commitment of both the organising committee and the participating flyers ensured that the festival proceeded smoothly, maintaining its reputation as a must-attend annual gathering.
Mohd Ansari described the festival as a catalyst for Bintulu’s economic prosperity. Beyond the aerial displays, the event featured a comprehensive programme designed to engage visitors and stimulate spending.
Highlights included the mesmerising display of giant kites, innovative LED light-up kites that illuminated the evening sky, and the lively BIKF Parade.
A key component of the festival’s economic impact was the Trade Expo, which brought together 160 local entrepreneurs.
This platform allowed small and medium-sized enterprises to showcase their products, ranging from traditional handicrafts to modern culinary delights, directly to a captive audience of tourists and locals alike. Such exposure is vital for business growth and helps retain revenue within the local economy.
The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, reflecting the high level of support for the initiative. Among those present were Jepak Assemblyman Iskandar Turkee and Morshidi Fredrick, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).
Senior officials from the BDA, including General Manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari and Deputy General Manager Abdul Rahim Abdullah, also attended to oversee the proceedings.
The choice of the Old Airport Site as the venue adds a layer of historical significance to the event, transforming a former transport hub into a centre for cultural exchange. The open space provides ideal conditions for kite flying while offering ample room for spectators and vendor stalls.
As the festival progresses, the influx of visitors is expected to have a ripple effect on nearby hotels, restaurants, and transport services. This surge in activity provides a welcome boost to the local economy, particularly for those who have been recovering from post-pandemic slowdowns.
The success of BIKF 2026 serves as a testament to the resilience of the tourism sector and the power of community-led initiatives.
By combining artistic expression with commercial opportunity, Bintulu has created a sustainable model for event tourism that benefits all stakeholders. As the kites soar, so too do the hopes for continued economic vitality and global recognition for the region.
