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 Indonesians and Sarawakians, it is the reopening of a crucial lifeline.
From insurance agents guiding clients across the border for trusted medical care, to students navigating higher education opportunities, and hospitals welcoming back patients in need of timely treatment, the revival of this route is being met with relief and excitement.
MURIANA LIAUW, 48, Insurance seller from Pontianak
“I am very happy they are reopening the flight. It saves us time because we do not need to take the bus or use our private car anymore.I have been to Kuching before, mostly for medical check-ups. Pontianak people like to go to Kuching for medical check-ups because of the good experience and the good customer service. And the quality, yes, the quality of the medical check-up is very good. As an insurance seller, I also help my clients go to Kuching for treatment. I recommend it because the hospitals there are reliable.”
DYLAN ONG, Swinburne student recruitment executive
“We have been coming to Indonesia for more than 20 years. Since we started recruiting international students, Indonesians, especially from West Kalimantan, have been one of our largest groups. From the early days, we had students who began their journey with us, graduated, and even returned to become lecturers. We actually have a few lecturers from Pontianak. Right now, we have over one hundred Indonesian students at Swinburne. Every year, we see about 20 to 30 new students from Indonesia joining us. The return of the flight is definitely anticipated. Many students have been travelling by land, so having this flight back makes things much easier for both students and their families. And for us at the university, it also helps. I plan to travel more frequently to promote Swinburne to local schools in the region.”
ANA LING, 43, Regional lead For KPJ East Malaysia
“We receive about 2,000 patients from Indonesia every month. Around forty to fifty per cent of them are from Pontianak and the West Kalimantan area. With the new flight starting in September, I believe it will really help in terms of travelling, especially for patients who need medical attention such as those coming for knee replacement surgery. It will definitely shorten their travel time. Travelling from Pontianak to KPJ Kuching by land takes around seven hours. For those who need immediate medical attention, this flight will make a big difference. The most sought-after treatments at KPJ Kuching are orthopaedics, especially under Dr Lee Woo Guan. Next is cardiology, which is a major concern for many Indonesians and other patients from across Asia. Cardiology is one of the top treatments patients come for, followed by gynaecology and urology.I believe they choose to come from West Kalimantan to Kuching because they trust the Malaysian healthcare system. Our doctors are friendly and professional, and our hospital services and facilities make them feel very comfortable and welcomed.”
