Renewed Pontianak-Kuching flights spark hopes for improved travels
PONTIANAK (July 28): With the recent announcement of direct AirAsia flights between Pontianak and Kuching, residents of the West Kalimantan capital are calling for improved services and infrastructure on the Sarawak side.
In welcoming the renewed connectivity, some Indonesians see it as an opportunity to rethink how Kuching would accommodate its regional neighbours – not just in transport, but also in areas of tourism, healthcare and other basic services.
Travel writer Eko Dony Prayudi, 42, visits Kuching at least twice a year for holidays, shopping, and also meeting friends.
'Kuching could improve its tourism infrastructures, particularly in places like Bako National Park and the Fairy Caves in Bau.
'Promoting more cultural exchange programmes would also make the city even more appealing to Indonesian visitors,' he tells The Borneo Post.
Melisa Putri
For Melisa Putri, affordability and increased travel frequency are key to strengthening tourism.
A content writer for a technology agency in Pontianak, she frequently visits Kuching for family holidays – seeing her relatives living there.
'In my view, it's important to improve transport accessibility, such as by opening more direct flights connecting Pontianak and Kuching,' says the 26-year-old Indonesian, while expressing her wish for better air connectivity.
In this respect, she also calls for more budget-friendly airfare rates, suggesting that pricing should take into account the income levels in different regions.
According to Melisa, many Pontianak residents, including herself, visit Kuching for medical reasons, and in this regard, she suggests that hospitals may consider offering discounted rates and check-up promotions.
'These would be very helpful.'
Idham and his son Razqa at the Ayani Megamall in Pontianak. — Photos by Kentigern Minggu
For Idham Suryana, 46, Kuching is a medical destination out of necessity.
His youngest son Razqa Alfarizqe, 12, suffers from seizures.
'I choose Kuching for treatment because it suits my son's needs very well.
'He has a follow-up this coming September,' says Idham, who travels with his wife and eldest son on each visit.
However, the medical bill for each trip – totalling 8,000,000 Indonesian rupiah (over RM2,000) – is a heavy burden for him.
Idham hopes that hospitals could consider lowering the treatment package rates, and also for the accommodation in Kuching to be made more affordable, so as to ease the financial pressure off medical travellers.
Nonetheless, all three Indonesians speak fondly of Kuching, citing its cleanliness, food, culture, and distinctive architecture as the highlights – with one notable example being the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex.
They recall how difficult travel became after direct flights were suspended in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Without air travel, they had to endure gruelling land journeys, lasting for seven to eight hours and navigating the narrow roads stretching from Pontianak to the border crossings either in Tebedu and Biawak on the Sarawak side.
The route via Entikong towards the Tebedu-Entikong border – a single-lane road in each direction – has been described as 'particularly exhausting', with frequent potholes causing a bumpy ride despite sections of the road having been paved.
Now, with the direct flights back in operation, many believe that the route will once again become a vital artery that supports economic, tourism and healthcare ties between the two cities. Airasia direct flights Kuching-Pontianak lead tourism
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