File photo of AirBorneo plane on the runway of Kuching International Airport.

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By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Oct 20: AirBorneo is set to launch its inaugural direct flight between Kuching and Jakarta on October 23, expanding air connectivity between Sarawak and Indonesia.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the new route would boost medical tourism and provide Sarawakians with an alternative travel option to Indonesia, apart from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

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“We are very happy. On the 23rd of this month, 23rd of this month, that’s on a Friday, we will have our first inaugural Kuching – Jakarta flight by AirBorneo.

“That will definitely boost up our medical tourism, as well as giving a good alternative to Sarawakians to visit Indonesia, apart from going to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.

The Kuching-Jakarta route was first announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 20, 2026, after the airline secured an operating slot at Jakarta’s international airport.

According to Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin during his ministerial winding-up speech yesterday (Oct 19), the service is planned to operate three times a week, subject to approval from Indonesian aviation authorities.

The new route forms part of Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen air connectivity and expand AirBorneo’s regional network across ASEAN. — DayakDaily