Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi assessed that international flights at Supadio Airport were able to spur the economic growth of West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan) through increased connectivity and ease of mobility of goods and passengers.
"The international flight service at Supadio International Airport, West Kalimantan will improve the economy in the region," said the Minister of Transportation as stated in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Sunday, September 14.
Supadio International Airport officially serves its first international flight on Friday (12/9). Air Asia flight on the Kuching route in Malaysia with Pontianak in Indonesia became the first international flight at the airport.
The flight carried 166 passengers, one of which was Malaysian Transportation Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. The frequency of Air Asia flights for the Kuching-Pontianak route or vice versa is scheduled twice a day.
Meanwhile, the frequency of Air Asia flights for the Kuala Lumpur-Pontianak route or vice versa is scheduled four times a week, namely Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
'Pontianak is the entrance to strategic areas in the West Kalimantan region. I really hope that the economy and tourism in this area can increase with flights serving international routes," said the Minister of Transportation.
The Minister of Transportation stated that connectivity between Pontianak and foreign countries could be stronger thanks to international flights at Supadio International Airport.
"In the future, hopefully airlines and flight routes can increase, so that they will expand trade and investment opportunities and facilitate the movement of people and goods towards the world's economic growth center," he said.
The Minister of Transportation also appreciated PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia for preparing good facilities and infrastructure to support international flight operations at Supadio International Airport.
He appealed to all stakeholders who serve at the airport, such as Immigration, Customs and Excise, Quarantine, and security officers to always provide the best service to passengers.
"To airlines operating, I advise you to always prioritize safety and security in every flight. This is important to provide a sense of security and comfort to all passengers," he said.
West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan said the opening of the Pontianak-Kuching flight route would open wider opportunities for the growth of the tourism, trade and investment sectors in West Kalimantan.
According to him, this strategic cooperation is also considered important to strengthen relations between border areas.
He said West Kalimantan has superior potentials that are ready to be developed, ranging from tourist destinations, Dayak, Malay, and Chinese cultural heritage, to digital service innovations that support the comfort of tourists.
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"With the support of the government, we are optimistic that this cooperation will strengthen the nation's identity as well as encourage creative economic growth," said Ria.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Transportation Minister Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin mentioned the importance of flights in strengthening Pontianak-Kuching relations and being able to encourage trade growth, investment, and strengthen inter-regional cultural social relations.
"This cooperation is not only for the benefit of the government, but also for the wider community on both sides of the border. Let's continue to trust and support joint efforts for the progress of West Kalimantan and Sarawak," said Kim.
Supadio International Airport has a runway length of 2,600 meters x 45 meters, so it can be accommodated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The passenger terminal at this airport has an area of 32,000 m2.
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