PONTIANAK: Air links between Kuching and Pontianak which were suspended at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic need to be reinstated for mutual benefit.
According to the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, direct flights would enhance travel by residents in both cities.
He said there used to be flights, but the route was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic until now.
“Although public transportation by land from the two main border crossings, Tebedu-Entikong and Biawak-Aruk, has been resumed, we hope for the resumption of flights between Pontianak and Kuching,” he said.
He was speaking at the Twin Tourism Destination and SME Forum across Borneo programme here.
He pointed out that hundreds of thousands of residents of West Kalimantan receive medical services and healthcare in Kuching.
“This cannot be denied. Therefore, air travel is not only faster but also offers better comfort.
“Many of them, including from Sarawak, who come to travel are hoping for the same thing.
“Now, residents of both countries shuttle through land routes between Pontianak-Kuching-Pontianak via the Tebedu-Entikong and Singkawang-Kuching-Singkawang routes through the Aruk-Bintawa border in Lundu.
“Therefore, if there are direct flights like before, I believe it will also increase the potential for tourism, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he said.
He said the government needs to consider things that can benefit both parties.
Raden added that enhancing the movement of people between Indonesia and Malaysia will also improve good relations in other aspects such as social, cultural, trade, economic, and investment.
Earlier, Raden and the Consul of Malaysia in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, led a delegation of the Twin Tourism Destination programme consisting of Sarawak healthcare tourism stakeholders such as Normal Medical Centre, Timberland Medical Centre, Borneo Medical Centre, Hearing Concept along with journalists and consulate staff in a courtesy visit to the Governor of West Kalimantan, Harisson Azroi.
Harisson was briefed on the programme and forum, as well as concerns about air connections, border posts, tourism, and trade, which were also discussed.
