Labuan:The 13th Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026 drew more than 30,000 visitors over its three-day event, including tourists from outside Labuan, as announced by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Lo Su Fui.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the festival demonstrated the widespread appeal of arts and culture by gathering hundreds of artists and cultural practitioners from diverse regions such as Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Deputy Minister Lo highlighted this at the festival's closing ceremony held at the Financial Park Convention Hall.

The festival featured over 10 main programs, including "Sounds of Borneo" and ethnic fashion showcases, along with more than 100 hours of creative works and stage performances. This extensive participation facilitated cultural exchange, networking, and collaboration among artists from the seven regions and countries involved.

Datuk Lo emphasized that the creativity displayed at BAF 2026, ranging from dance and fashion to musical performances, was of international standard, showcasing the high value of Borneo's creative works. The event is part of the Department of Federal Territories' strategy to bolster Labuan as an Events and Cultural Tourism Hub.

The festival also provided economic benefits to the local community, supporting hotel and homestay operators, taxi and e-hailing drivers, small traders, handicraft entrepreneurs, and food vendors. Lo underscored the importance of the Orange Economy, a creative-based economy, in preserving and promoting the region's arts, culture, and heritage.

BAF 2026 was organized by Labuan Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Federal Territories and took place at the Financial Park Convention Hall starting September 25.