By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 27: AirBorneo is set to begin flights between Kuching and Jakarta from October, with the new route expected to bring more visitors from the Indonesian capital to Sarawak.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new route would form part of Sarawak’s long-term tourism planning as AirBorneo expands its network.
“We have AirBorneo — our own airline to bring tourists into Sarawak, and this is a long-term plan. Soon, our airline will increase its routes in October. In October, the new route will be to Jakarta.
“Don’t let the people of Tanjung Datu be the ones going to Jakarta; let the people of Jakarta come to Tanjung Datu,” he said during during the postponement ceremony of the Batang Kayan Regatta in Lundu today, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Youtube.
Abang Johari said the Kuching-Jakarta journey would take about one hour and 20 minutes, making Sarawak accessible to visitors from the Indonesian capital.
He said the connectivity could also support the growth of medical tourism in Kuching, with several new private hospitals being developed or expanded.
He cited Gleneagles Hospital in Batu Lintang, a private hospital at Northbank in Kota Samarahan managed by IHH Healthcare, as well as another private hospital being developed in Petra Jaya.
“With people who need medical treatment, they will come to Kuching, and it looks like the numbers will increase,” he said.
He also pointed to the expansion of KPJ Kuching, which he said was adding around 200 beds.
Abang Johari said visitors coming to Sarawak for medical treatment could also be encouraged to spend time in destinations such as Telok Melano for post-treatment recovery.
“If they come to Telok Melano, they can continue their recovery there and enjoy the surroundings as part of their post-treatment recovery while receiving the best healthcare,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the improved connectivity could support the development of tourism activities in Tanjung Datu, including sport fishing, which he said was already attracting visitors from Singapore.
He said the number of Singaporean visitors had increased, with some travelling to the area over weekends specifically for fishing.
“They come on weekends just to fish. They rent boats and go fishing, sometimes staying for two or three nights before returning to Singapore with their catch,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had extensive fishing grounds, particularly around Tanjung Datu, which could further strengthen the area’s potential as a sport fishing destination.
He recalled his own fishing experience in the area, saying he had once ventured close to Indonesian waters while fishing because boats could drift as they moved with the fish.
“I have also gone fishing there. The late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (former Sarawak Chief Minister) also went fishing. I once went fishing and almost entered Indonesian waters,” he said.
Abang Johari said the rich fishing resources in the area presented an opportunity to further develop sport fishing tourism. — DayakDaily
