By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 24: The long-awaited resumption of direct Kuching–Pontianak flights marks a major milestone in reconnecting Sarawak and West Kalimantan, a move hailed by Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin as crucial for economic revitalisation and people-to-people ties post-pandemic.
Lee expressed great excitement following AirAsia’s announcement to reinstate the route, made possible by the reinstatement of Supadio Airport’s international status in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
“The return of this important air route marks a major milestone in reconnecting Sarawak and West Kalimantan after several years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary downgrade of Supadio Airport to domestic status,” he said in a press release.
Responding to media queries today, Lee revealed that the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Transport, had been actively engaging Indonesian authorities to restore cross-border air connectivity. This included a working visit he led to Pontianak and Singkawang in Sept 2024, during which a formal request was submitted for the route’s reinstatement.
Lee also expressed gratitude to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, especially former Consul General Raden Sigit Witjaksono, for his instrumental role in facilitating dialogue between both sides.
He emphasised that the flight reinstatement symbolises more than convenience.
“It is a vital step toward strengthening people-to-people ties, economic collaboration, and regional mobility between Sarawak and West Kalimantan,” he said.
“This route is not only important to us in Sarawak, but it has also been highly requested by the people of Pontianak. Re-establishing air connectivity fosters mutual understanding, shared development, and closer bilateral relations between our regions.”
The renewed connectivity, he added, is expected to stimulate cross-border trade, tourism, and small business activities.
“This will open new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, travel agencies, transport operators, and border communities who rely on the flow of people and goods between Sarawak and Kalimantan,” he noted.
Lee also highlighted its impact on tourism, noting that West Kalimantan visitors will now regain direct access to Sarawak’s ecotourism destinations, medical services, and cultural attractions.
Looking ahead, he revealed there are six cities with airports in Kalimantan and affirmed Sarawak’s interest in exploring more flight routes in tandem with Indonesia’s relocation of its national capital to Nusantara.
“We are open to exploring increased flight frequencies and new air routes connecting Sarawak with other parts of Kalimantan. The development of Nusantara opens up fresh possibilities for economic integration and transport collaboration. We look forward to working closely with our counterparts across the border to expand this momentum,” he added. — DayakDaily
