KUCHING: East Kalimantan will host the Borneo Games 2027, with the main venue expected to be centred in Samarinda.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the decision was reached unanimously during a meeting recently.
“When it was presented during the meeting, East Kalimantan immediately expressed their readiness, with the Governor himself voicing the desire to host the event.
“So everyone agreed that the Borneo Games 2027 will be held in East Kalimantan,” he said in his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the 2025 Borneo Games at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak on Sunday night.
He said the early decision would enable all participating regions to begin making more thorough preparations for the event in two years.
“The Borneo Games have their own unique character because they do not impose age limits on athletes, unlike the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), which restrict participation to those under 21 years old.
“This is the advantage of the Borneo Games. Those who have competed in SUKMA or previously represented their states still have the opportunity to stay active in this competition.
“In fact, it can serve as preparation for the SEA Games, Southeast Asian championships, and even the Olympics,” he said.
Abdul Karim also expressed confidence that the 2027 edition will be even more festive, as East Kalimantan wants to invite not only Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and Sarawak, but also five other provinces in Kalimantan.
“Depending on the host, they may also invite regions, states, or countries outside Borneo to participate in the Borneo Games by special invitation.
“The more participants there are, the more competitive the event becomes, which in turn can raise the standard of the Borneo Games,” he said.
