Sarawak-Nusantara flight routes can boost economic opportunities, says Indonesian diplomat

KUCHING (July 27): Sarawak and Indonesia can significantly enhance their economic opportunities with flight routes between major cities in the two regions, said Indonesia’s Consul-General in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono.

Discussing on the import-export and economic activities between the two regions, he said the only way to travel between the two at the moment is via land routes, which is time consuming and costly.

“We are very concerned about the logistics costs. Therefore, we hope for robust connectivity between Sarawak and Nusantara,” he told reporters after the Indonesian Independence Day celebration at the Republic of Indonesia Consulate General (KJRI) building here today.

As such, he hoped that the Kuching-Pontianak direct flights would be revived soon, which had until now been suspended.

“We also hope that a direct flight from Kuching to Balikpapan (the closest airport to Nusantara) be established.

“We have received many requests, including from Miri, for flights to Balikpapan. This would improve access and connectivity between Sarawak and Indonesia,” he said.

On another note, Raden said the Indonesian government aims to relocate 100,000 civil servants to Nusantara by 2029.

This plan aligns with the nation’s goal of achieving a population of 1.5 million in the new capital.

“The relocation will be carried out in stages, with 2,000 people to be moved this year. This involves 37 ministries that have already prepared the list of personnel to be relocated, and the process will be in phases,” he said.