by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 27: The launch of Air Borneo’s operations in 2026 is set to open a new chapter in Sarawak-Indonesia cooperation, with the airline expected to offer more direct flights to several major Indonesian cities, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the Premier explained that this effort will not only facilitate travel but also expand the tourism sector, strengthen business networks and promote cultural exchanges between the two regions.
Efforts to enhance air connectivity are being viewed as a catalyst for a new era of regional economic cooperation, particularly following the reopening of the Kuching-Pontianak direct flight route, which resumed operations in September 2025.
“This connectivity will enable the people and industry players from both sides to connect more closely than before, thus stimulating economic growth and strengthening regional relations.” he said, in his speech delivered by Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at the Indonesia Evening 2025 last night.
Abang Johari also pointed out that the renewed Sarawak-Pontianak route would help increase trade flows, tourism traffic and the movement of people more efficiently while maximising the economic potential of Sarawak’s western border gateways.
He added that Indonesia’s decision to relocate its capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan also presents a strategic opportunity for Sarawak to play a larger role in the development of the region.
“As a neighbouring region, Sarawak is ideally positioned to support the Nusantara vision, including exploring cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, trade, health and research that can provide tangible and lasting benefits to both parties,” he said.
He emphasised that such collaboration will enhance regional stability and further improve the prosperity of communities across Borneo through structured and forward-looking economic cooperation.
The Indonesia Evening 2025 is in conjunction with the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence and the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts (Tourism), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy State Secretary (Operations), Datu Hii Chang Kee, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli, Consul General of the Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping, Consul General of Brunei Darussalam to Sarawak, Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Ghani, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Regional Office in Sarawak, Fenny Nuli, Chairman of SAINS, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam and other guests of honour. – DayakDaily
