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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Reinstate direct Kuching-Pontianak flight to revive tourism, trade, S'wak activist tells govt
Peter (front) in a group photo with the Sarawak delegation in West Kalimantan. MIRI (June 6): Social activist Peter John Jaban has called on the government to urgently reinstate the direct flight between Kuching and Pontianak, emphasising that improved air connectivity is crucial to facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. He raised the issue following a recent overland trip to West Kalimantan, which he led alongside a delegation of 50 Sarawakian business leaders. While the mission was successful, the group faced nearly four hours of delays at Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) checkpoints due to long queues and complicated paperwork. 'This journey underscored the urgent need for a direct flight. The land route simply cannot substitute for air travel in terms of speed, comfort, and efficiency. 'A direct connection is vital, not only for convenience but for maintaining bilateral ties,' he said in a statement. Peter expressed hope that both Indonesian and Malaysian authorities would prioritise and expedite the reinstatement of the Kuching-Pontianak air service, which has been suspended since March 2024. He pointed out that communities on both sides of the border have been adversely affected, as the suspension impacts livelihoods directly. 'This is not just a flight route, it is a lifeline. Its suspension has disrupted cross-border tourism, hindered medical and educational travel, and slowed down vital cultural and economic exchanges that have long flourished between our people,' he said. Before the flight suspension, thousands of travellers relied on the direct connection each month. Peter said without it, passengers are forced to transit through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, resulting in longer, more costly, and physically exhausting journeys, especially for those seeking medical care in Sarawak. 'Quick access via air is not a luxury; it is a necessity,' he stressed, citing Sarawak's rising status as a medical tourism hub, particularly for Indonesian patients seeking affordable, quality treatment. He also argued that reinstating the flight is critical for small businesses, local tour operators, and the hospitality sector as the region strives to recover from economic challenges. Furthermore, Peter highlighted that restoring this air link would support broader regional integration under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework, serving as a vital bridge for cross-border development. In this regard, he also urged AirAsia and other airlines to demonstrate their commitment to regional growth and connectivity. 'This is not merely a logistical issue, it is a matter of fairness, development, and cooperation. 'The people of Kalimantan and Sarawak deserve better connectivity and the opportunity to thrive together,' said Peter. direct flight kalimantan Kuching Peter John Jaban
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sipitang poised for growth as strategic economic, tourism hub
Isnin (seated centre) with guests at the swearing-In and appointment ceremony for Sipitang District Council members for the 2025–2027 term at Hilton Hotel. SIPITANG (April 25): The strategic location of Sipitang — situated at the border of Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam, and Sabah — positions the district as having significant potential to be developed into an economic and tourism hub. Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, highlighted that this geographical advantage places Sipitang on the right track to becoming one of the state's key economic growth drivers. 'Sipitang's strategic position as a cross-border gateway between Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam, and Sabah makes it one of the districts with great potential to be explored as a hub for economic and tourism development,' he said. He made the statement during the swearing-In and appointment ceremony for Sipitang District Council members for the 2025–2027 term, at the Hilton Hotel on Monday. During the event, 17 individuals were officially appointed as members of the Sipitang District Council. They will be responsible for planning and implementing development initiatives at the local level. Isnin urged the newly appointed council members to carry out their duties with full responsibility and dedication to ensure effective execution of development plans. He noted that Sipitang is rich in cultural and local heritage, such as the GATA Festival, and is blessed with natural beauty and fertile agricultural resources. 'The combination of heritage value, abundant natural resources, and strategic location makes Sipitang a district with immense potential for more aggressive development,' he said. According to Isnin, regional developments — particularly Indonesia's move to relocate its capital to Kalimantan — are expected to impact border areas such as Sipitang, Kalabakan and Nabawan directly. He stressed the importance of taking this shift seriously, as it is likely to spur rapid cross-border economic activity. To prepare, he emphasised the need to prioritise infrastructure, border security and logistics facilities. 'Our neighbour, Brunei Darussalam, has already built several Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes in anticipation of increased cross-border movement,' he said, adding that Sabah should adopt a similar approach to avoid being left behind. Isnin stated that cooperation from all sectors — including the government, relevant agencies, communities, and the private sector — is essential in realising Sipitang's development goals. 'With a spirit of unity, we can elevate Sipitang to a higher level as a strategic economic hub in Sabah,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob; Sipitang Member of Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah; District Officer and Chairman of the Sipitang District Council, Abdul Karim A. M. Zahari; Sipitang District Police Chief Awang Anak Suanda; Chief Executive Officer of the Sipitang District Council Hamsad Abdul Wahid; and Assistant Administrative Officer (Operations) from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Mohd Syahril Bakar.
