Pupuk Kaltim

TEAM ID. 2501

Pupuk Kaltim

This great journey began in a small coastal town of Bontang, East Borneo, in 1987. Amidst the booming industry, a music group was born that would later become legendary. On September 7, 1987, the Marching Band Pupuk Kaltim (MBPKT) was established, originating from a school extracurricular activity, as one of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Pupuk Kaltim in Arts and Culture and for youth development in Bontang. Though simple, from the very first step, the values of discipline, musicality, and camaraderie were instilled, laying the foundation for their future success.

By the early 1990s, the passion of these young musicians drove them beyond their hometown. In 1990, they ventured to perform at the Grand Prix Marching Band (GPMB) in Jakarta. This national debut became the gateway to Indonesia's grand stage, a door they would never close again.

Then came the year that changed everything: 1994. In the roaring atmosphere of the stadium, MBPKT made history as the first marching band from outside Jakarta to win the GPMB Grand Champion title. That moment shook Indonesia, igniting pride in the hearts of the people of East Kalimantan, and marking the birth of a new legend.

Entering the late 1990s to the 2000s, their success continued to flow. They won title after title, collecting 11 times in a row of GPMB Grand Champion titles – which no other martching band in Indonesia has ever achieved. The name Bontang, which may have been unfamiliar to many people in the past, now resonates as the home of one of the best marching bands in the country.

Their success did not stop within the country. The world also heard their footsteps and the sound of their instruments. In 1998, MBPKT received the Sudler Shield Award from the World Association of Marching Show Bands—a world-class recognition. In 2001, they won the WAMSB Band of the Year title and continued to shine in international competitions, including the Kuala Lumpur World Marching Band Competition, where they were named Runner Up (2007) and Best Percussion Line (2010). MBPKT achieved Winner of Display International Open Class, 1st runner up of Marching Street Parade, and 2nd runner up of Drum Duel Division 1 in Thailand International Royal’s Trophy Band Competition (TIRTBC) 2016. 1st runner up of Indonesia Drum Corps Competition (IDCC) 2017 and 1st runner up of Indonesia Drum Corps International (IDCI) 2024. A series of other international awards further solidified their reputation as a world-class marching band.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic’s limitations, MBPKT continues to achieve success by winning the 1st place each in the International Individual Multitoms in the Open Class Division, International Individual Euphonium Senior Division, International Individual Mellophone Junior Class Division, International Individual Color Guard Mix Equipment Female Open Class Division in Asian Virtual Championship (AVC) 2020, 1st Place Scholastic Class at the 2020 Indonesia Virtual Ensemble Color Guard Contest, 1st Place Color Guard at the Drum Corps International (DCI) International Event Performer Showcase 2020, 1st and 2nd Place at the International Individual Female Flag Senior Class Division Asian Music Games (AMG) 2021, and 1st Place Brass Ensemble at the 2022 Indonesia Drum Corps Competition (IDCC).

In Indonesia, MBPKT has also often had the honor of performing at historic moments. From the stage of the State Palace, in front of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, to participating in the opening of the XVII National Sports Week in 2008, National Event of Republic of Indonesia's Youth Pledge Day on October 28, 2022. Each performance is proof of their dedication, professionalism, and unquestionable quality.

However, beyond the array of trophies and prestigious accolades, MBPKT is a story about the people behind the music—about hard work, relentless discipline, friendship, and the long journey of shaping the character of the younger generation. This inspiring story has even been adapted to novel and national movie entitled "12 Minutes: Victory for Eternity."

To this day, their legacy lives on. From the founders to the new generation carrying the torch, MBPKT remains a symbol of triumph, pride, and an unwavering spirit.
From Bontang, for Indonesia.