PONTIANAK, Kalimantan, Indonesia: A total of 14 media representatives and social media influencers from Sarawak are taking part in the Pontianak-Singkawang Familiarisation Trip (FamTrip), which is being held from November 14 to 18.
The visit is organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kuching in collaboration with AirAsia as the airline partner.
The programme aims to provide first-hand exposure to interesting tourism destinations, culture, and cuisine in West Kalimantan (Kalbar), Indonesia, especially in Pontianak and Singkawang.
The media practitioners and influencers began the visit with a courtesy call on the West Kalimantan Governors Office shortly after arriving in Pontianak at around 10:00 am yesterday.
During the meeting, both sides discussed tourism potential, interesting locations, and traditional cuisine in Kalbar that can be highlighted to the people of Sarawak.
Regional Secretary of West Kalimantan Province, Dr H. Harisson, said Kalbar and Sarawak are neighbouring regions that have maintained close relations for a long time, especially in tourism.
He said medical tourism in Sarawak is one of the main attractions for residents of West Kalimantan, especially in Pontianak, due to its complete facilities and advanced technology.
“Therefore, bilateral relations between both regions need to continue being strengthened, especially now that direct flights from Kuching to Pontianak and Pontianak to Kuching are available through AirAsia.
“That is why tourism promotion is important at this time, so it can help balance tourism between Sarawak and Pontianak,”he said.
Meanwhile, Consul for Economic Affairs of KJRI, Musa Derek Sairwona, said the famtrip is important as it gives the media and influencers the opportunity to experience first-hand the culture, heritage, and key tourism destinations in Pontianak and Singkawang.
“Even though we are in different regions, Sarawak and Kalbar are like family because we share many similarities in culture and heritage.
“That is why this familiarisation visit is organised to enable more people in Sarawak to know what Kalbar has to offer, which in turn can attract their interest to visit,” he said.
At the same time, he hopes that the relationship between Sarawak media and KJRI can be further strengthened through programmes like this.
Among the interesting locations to be visited throughout the five-day, four-night programme are Kopi Asiang, Rumah Melayu, the Equator Monument, apart from exploring the uniqueness of Pontianak’s cuisine, and much more.
In addition, the visit to Singkawang will include attractions such as Turi Traditional Market, Thai Pak Kung Kulor Temple, Tri Dharma Bumi Raya, as well as various local foods.
