SANDAKAN: Sandakan is set to mark a milestone in the development of its entertainment and tourism industries, with popular Indonesian band D’Masiv scheduled to perform at Sandakan Sports Complex on 18 October 2026.
The concert is expected to be one of the largest international music events ever held in Sandakan, creating new opportunities to promote the city as a destination for events, entertainment and tourism in Sabah.
D’Masiv is an Indonesian pop-rock band formed on 3 March 2003 in Ciledug, Jakarta. The band comprises Rian Ekky Pradipta (vocals), Dwiki Aditya Marsall (guitar), Nurul Damar Ramadan (guitar), Rayyi Kurniawan Iskandar Dinata (bass) and Wahyu Piadji (drums). They first gained widespread attention with their debut album, Perubahan, released in 2008.
Over more than two decades, D’Masiv have released numerous popular songs, including “Cinta Ini Membunuhku”, “Merindukanmu”, “Jangan Menyerah”, “Diantara Kalian”, “Diam Tanpa Kata” and “Cinta Sampai Disini”. These songs remain firm favourites with fans, who regularly sing along at the band’s performances.
The concert will not only bring an Indonesian act to Sandakan, but also provide a platform for collaboration between local musicians and Indonesian artists.
By involving local musicians, singers, arts practitioners and creative professionals, the event aims to give young people in Sandakan the opportunity to gain experience in taking part in and delivering a larger-scale music production.
Such collaboration could also encourage the exchange of ideas, experience and industry contacts between arts practitioners in Sabah and Indonesia.
D’Masiv’s strong following in Indonesia and across the region offers Sandakan the chance to host a music event with cross-border appeal.
The concert is expected to demonstrate the city’s capacity to stage large-scale events and support the growth of its local events industry. It could also pave the way for more national and international cultural, music and entertainment events in the future.
The concert is also expected to benefit Sandakan’s tourism sector, with visitors anticipated from Indonesia, Brunei and other parts of Malaysia.
Visitors may contribute to demand for hotels, restaurants, transport, shopping centres, tourism products and local attractions, as well as attend the concert.
Those travelling to Sandakan for the event will also have the opportunity to explore the city, sample local food, visit historic sites and experience the district’s distinctive natural environment and culture.
An important part of the event is the opportunity it will provide for local traders and entrepreneurs.
As part of a programme supporting the local business community, sales booths will be available from 16 to 18 October 2026, allowing local businesses to promote and sell their products and services to visitors.
Opportunities are expected across a range of sectors, including food and drink, local products, handicrafts, fashion, souvenirs and tourism-related services.
This approach aims to ensure that local businesses also benefit from the economic activity generated by the concert.
Beyond entertainment and economic benefits, the concert will celebrate the friendship and cultural ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Music can cross boundaries of language, geography and culture. D’Masiv’s appearance in Sandakan is expected to provide another opportunity to strengthen connections between Sabahans and Indonesians through music and cultural exchange.
The organisers hope the concert will mark a new chapter in efforts to establish Sandakan as an events and entertainment destination on Sabah’s east coast.
Members of the public, D’Masiv fans and visitors from within and outside Sabah are invited to attend the concert at Sandakan Sports Complex on 18 October 2026.
By attending, visitors will not only enjoy the music, but also help support the local economy and local talent, while promoting Sandakan to the wider world.-pr/BNN
