KUCHING (Sept 17): Sarawak and West Kalimantan are exploring ways to expand direct air connectivity between the two regions, with potential participation from Sarawak’s own airline AirBorneo alongside local Indonesian carriers.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the discussions also looked into future routes to Nusantara and Balikpapan, which would further strengthen regional accessibility.

This was among the key matters raised during Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin’s working visit to Pontianak, following his participation in AirAsia’s inaugural Kuching–Pontianak direct flight on Sept 12.

Lee had paid a courtesy call to West Kalimantan governor Dr H Ria Norman where both parties exchanged views on enhancing cross-border cooperation, touching on several key areas particularly land and air transport connectivity.

Apart from aviation, both sides also discussed land transport links, including a proposal for direct express bus services connecting Pontianak to Brunei through Sarawak.

Lee noted that Brunei authorities had welcomed the initiative during his recent visit there, stating that this would create greater mobility and strengthen land connectivity across Borneo.

The minister also held a meeting with Consulate of Malaysia in Pontianak consul and head of mission Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim where discussions focused on entry and exit traffic, road conditions, and border congestion.

Lee also raised concerns over congestion at the Aruk integrated cross-border post (PLBN) where the absence of operational staff during scheduled rest periods had led to long queues.

Suggested solutions included introducing shift systems to avoid service disruption and extending operating hours by an additional hour.

The consul assured that these issues will be tabled at the upcoming Sosek Malindo meeting, with Indonesia already open to exploring the proposed measures.

Lee later attended an engagement session with local Chinese Hakka community leaders, which served as a platform for cultural and community exchanges that further reinforce the strong relationship between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.

He described his visit as productive and timely, coinciding with the resumption of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak after a five-year suspension.

“This visit has reaffirmed Sarawak’s strong commitment to closer cooperation with West Kalimantan. From land transport and aviation to cross-border facilitation, we are building ‘bridges’ that will benefit people on both sides of the border and strengthen Borneo’s regional growth,” Lee said.

Credit: Marilyn Ten, The Borneo Post 2025