Thursday, 1 January 2026

Author: Karen Masing

Pontianak through a Sarawakian lens

PART 2 PONTIANAK, the capital of West Kalimantan, is best known for its equatorial charm, but for a visitor like me, its most defining flavour is coffee. Much like the rest of Indonesia, Pontianak is deeply passionate about coffee, and I mean that in the best way possible. Here, coffee

Pontianak through a Sarawakian lens

PART 1 AS an avid land traveller in Sarawak, especially along the long routes from Kuching to Baleh, Kapit, and Kuching to Asap, Belaga via Bintulu, I thought I had experienced every possible bump, pothole and surprise an interior road could offer. But then came Pontianak. This was my first

New hope as AirAsia flights resume

PONTIANAK: After a long pause, the direct AirAsia flight between Kuching and Pontianak is finally set to resume on September 12, rekindling a vital connection that many in West Kalimantan and Sarawak have deeply missed. But this is more than just the return of a convenient travel option for countless

A key step in enhancing cross-border connectivity

PONTIANAK: Sarawak Minister for Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, has voiced strong support for the launch of two new AirAsia routes connecting Sarawak and Indonesia, describing the development as a key step in strengthening regional ties and enhancing cross-border connectivity. In a video message aired during the Sarawak Tourism

Haze may be from Riau Province

PONTIANAK: The haze currently affecting Kuching may not be originating from West Kalimantan, according to its Governor, Bapak Drs.H.Ria Norsan, who said the situation in his province remained under control. Speaking in response to concerns from Sarawakians about the return of haze in the region, the Governor clarified that West

Kuching-Pontianak direct flights spur trade and tourism

PONTIANAK: The revival of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak is poised to strengthen ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan, ushering in new opportunities in tourism, healthcare and cross-border trade. The Governor of West Kalimantan, Bapak Drs H. Ria Norsan, expressed confidence that these renewed air links will bring broad

Living harmony the Sarawak way

KUCHING: At a time when tensions over race and religion continue to make headlines elsewhere, Sarawak remains a shining example of how harmony can thrive when respect is a way of life and not just policy. From interfaith prayers during major state events to friendships across cultures nurtured over coffee

Sarongs make moving statement of identity, cultural pride

WITH vibrant sarongs fluttering in their stride, more than 2,500 participants brought Metrocity Matang to life on Saturday as Sarawak hosted its first-ever Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR), a high-spirited celebration of unity, heritage and healthy living. The air was alive with colour and music as participants of all ages,

From cultural roots to global vision

PART 2 WHEN Franklin Lingga Abun walks into a boardroom or a lab in Germany, he carries Sarawak in his heart. The 28-year-old from Kapit, whose innovation in semi-solar electric generation earned him a decade-long role with BMW, represents a new wave of Dayak pioneers where identity and ambition are

Malaysia Sarong Music Run debuts in Sarawak

KUCHING: The first-ever Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) in Sarawak made a vibrant debut on Saturday at Metrocity Matang, drawing more than 2,500 participants in a colourful celebration of culture, unity and active living. Held in conjunction with Sarawak Day, the event was officiated on behalf of the Premier by