(Kuching, 27th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that Air Borneo is expected to officially begin operations in 2026. At that time, it will mark a new chapter in cooperation between Sarawak and Indonesia, as the airline plans to launch more direct flights to several major Indonesian cities.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), the Premier stated that this initiative will not only further facilitate travel between the two regions, but will also boost tourism development, strengthen business networks, and promote cultural exchanges.
He said that improving air connectivity is seen as an important catalyst for ushering in a new era of regional economic cooperation, especially after the Kuching–Pontianak direct route resumes operations in September 2025, which carries even greater strategic significance.
“This air link will enable the people and industries of both sides to connect closer than ever before, thus stimulating economic growth and strengthening regional relations.” Abang Johari made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Sarawak Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin at the “Indonesia Night 2025” dinner last night.
He also pointed out that the resumption of the Sarawak–Pontianak route will help improve the efficiency of trade flows, tourism traffic, and the movement of people, while maximizing the economic potential of Sarawak’s western border gateway.
He stated that Indonesia’s decision to move its capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan also presents Sarawak with strategic opportunities to play a more important role in regional development.
“As a neighboring region, Sarawak holds an ideal advantage in supporting Nusantara’s development vision, including exploring cooperation in infrastructure, trade, healthcare, and research, bringing tangible and lasting benefits to both sides.” he said.
He emphasized that such cooperation, achieved through well-planned and forward-looking economic collaboration, will further enhance regional stability and bring greater prosperity to communities across Borneo.
“Indonesia Night 2025” was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence and the 20th anniversary of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Kuching.
Guests in attendance included Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Enterprise, Information & UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Sa’edi, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Indonesian Consul General in Kuching Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli, Chinese Consul General in Kuching Xing Weiping, Bruneian Consul General in Sarawak Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Ghani, Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fenny Nuli, SAINS Chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Tiong Ching King, and other distinguished guests.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), the Premier stated that this initiative will not only further facilitate travel between the two regions, but will also boost tourism development, strengthen business networks, and promote cultural exchanges.
“This air link will enable the people and industries of both sides to connect closer than ever before, thus stimulating economic growth and strengthening regional relations.” Abang Johari made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Sarawak Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin at the “Indonesia Night 2025” dinner last night.
He also pointed out that the resumption of the Sarawak–Pontianak route will help improve the efficiency of trade flows, tourism traffic, and the movement of people, while maximizing the economic potential of Sarawak’s western border gateway.
He stated that Indonesia’s decision to move its capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan also presents Sarawak with strategic opportunities to play a more important role in regional development.
“As a neighboring region, Sarawak holds an ideal advantage in supporting Nusantara’s development vision, including exploring cooperation in infrastructure, trade, healthcare, and research, bringing tangible and lasting benefits to both sides.” he said.
He emphasized that such cooperation, achieved through well-planned and forward-looking economic collaboration, will further enhance regional stability and bring greater prosperity to communities across Borneo.
“Indonesia Night 2025” was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence and the 20th anniversary of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Kuching.
Guests in attendance included Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Enterprise, Information & UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Sa’edi, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Indonesian Consul General in Kuching Dr. Abdullah Zulkifli, Chinese Consul General in Kuching Xing Weiping, Bruneian Consul General in Sarawak Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Dato Paduka Sheikh Abdul Ghani, Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fenny Nuli, SAINS Chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Tiong Ching King, and other distinguished guests.