KUCHING: Sarawak is ready for direct flights to resume between Pontianak and Kuching but this depends on the Indonesian government's decision, says state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the state was waiting for Indonesia to allow international flights to depart from more cities in the country.
"We hope the flights from Pontianak to Kuching can resume. We are ready to receive the flights, but this is a matter of Indonesian government policy.
"Currently, only eight cities in Indonesia can have international flights, including Jakarta and Bali.
"But Pontianak is not included in the list yet, so we are still waiting," Abdul Karim said after launching the Rainforest World Music Festival here on Monday (April 3).
He was responding to a question on whether the Pontianak-Kuching flights would resume in time for the festival.
The flights had been suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year, Indonesian consul-general in Sarawak Raden Sigit Witjaksono said he had conveyed Sarawak's request for the resumption of the Pontianak-Kuching route to Jakarta.
He was reported saying that the plan was still under consideration in view of the need to prepare the Pontianak airport for international flights.
Abdul Karim also said the state had given its feedback to the consul-general on the matter.
"If the flight can be resumed, it will make travel easier between Pontianak and Kuching, whether for tourists or those coming to seek medical treatment," he added.
