by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 25: Plans to reactivate the Kuching-Pontianak flight route have gained fresh momentum following discussions between outgoing Indonesian Consul General Raden Sigit Witjaksono and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
During the courtesy call and farewell visit to the Premier, Raden Sigit also proposed the potential introduction of a new air route to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, in line with the ongoing development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara (IKN).
“The Premier welcomes the proposal to improve connectivity between the regions of Kalimantan and Sarawak, and we hope that this can be realised in the near future,” he was quoted as saying by Sarawak’s Information Department (Jabatan Penerangan Sarawak).
Raden Sigit, who concludes his term of office on April 30, expressed his deep appreciation for the strong collaboration between Indonesia and Sarawak during his three years of service.
“The cooperation between Indonesia and Sarawak is very good, especially in the last two years where many initiatives and activities have been implemented together, especially in the economic and socio-cultural sectors,” he said.
He also expressed his optimism that Sarawak and Indonesia’s bilateral ties would continue to grow under his successor’s leadership.
“I will convey to my successor to continue efforts to strengthen this collaboration, including expanding the potential in the border areas,” he added.
The Consul General also highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation in the energy sector between the two regions, especially in terms of the supply of hydroelectric power from Sarawak to Kalimantan.
“Increasing cooperation in the energy sector, including the supply of hydropower, from Sarawak to West Kalimantan is a strategic aspect that greatly benefits both parties,” he added.
Aside from that, he conveyed his gratitude to the Sarawak government for its support during the implementation of the Indonesian elections last year, which took place smoothly and peacefully.
“With 52 polling stations in Sarawak, the smoothness of the process would not have been possible without the close cooperation of local authorities,” he said.
Raden Sigit will return to Jakarta and continue his duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. – DayakDaily
