Singapore-Pontianak Route Reopened, A Golden Bridge for Investment and Tourism in West Kalimantan
Kubu Raya Kartininews.com – The strategic decision to reopen the direct flight route between Pontianak and Singapore is not merely about connecting two cities, but a visionary step to establish West Kalimantan (Kalbar) as Indonesia’s main gateway in the western part of Borneo Island.
This momentum is expected to serve as a major catalyst that will not only improve mobility but also open the floodgates for investment, trade, and tourism, while integrating West Kalimantan more closely into regional and global economic chains.
Public enthusiasm for the return of this international route was evident from Scoot Airlines’ inaugural flight, which landed at Supadio International Airport on Monday (29/6/2026) with nearly full occupancy — 110 passengers out of 112 seats.
This figure sends a strong signal that direct access to the world’s business and transportation hub via Changi Airport has been highly anticipated by the people of West Kalimantan, who previously had to endure a roundabout journey with a transit in Batam.
West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan, during the inauguration, emphasized that the launch of this route by Scoot Airlines is a concrete step toward strengthening ASEAN regional connectivity. With its strategic geographic position directly bordering Sarawak, Malaysia, Kalbar holds a central role that should not be wasted.
"Today we are witnessing the inaugural flight of Scoot Airlines on the Singapore–Pontianak and Pontianak–Singapore routes. Previously, we had to go to Batam first before crossing to Singapore, but now we can fly directly," Norsan said enthusiastically. She stressed that this easier access is the answer to the need for fast, modern mobility.
Beyond just reducing travel time, Governor Ria Norsan invited all elements of society to view this as a major opportunity. Direct access to Singapore, a global aviation hub, will open new horizons for Kalbar to connect with various cities in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and even America. However, she reminded everyone that these great opportunities must be matched with thorough preparation.
"Let us improve service quality at Supadio International Airport, maintain security and comfort, create a more conducive investment climate, strengthen tourism promotion, and deliver professional public services. Equally important, let us be friendly and proud hosts for every guest who comes to the Equator Land," she said persuasively, emphasizing that synergy is the key to reaping maximum benefits.
Full support for this strategic move also came from airport management and the airline. General Manager of Supadio International Airport, Maya Damayanti, warmly welcomed Scoot Airlines as a new partner that expands West Kalimantan’s international connectivity. She pledged to continue ensuring safety and comfort as top priorities.
Meanwhile, Scoot’s Chief Representative for Indonesia, Divesh Singaraju, expressed strong optimism about Pontianak, which he sees as having tremendous market potential in both tourism and business sectors.
"Pontianak is a new destination with enormous potential. Not only in tourism, but also highly promising business development opportunities," he said, stressing that this marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial long-term synergy.
With the reopening of the direct Pontianak–Singapore flight route, West Kalimantan now stands at a crossroads toward more inclusive economic growth. The resulting connectivity is expected not only to strengthen the region’s competitiveness but also to serve as a foundation for improving public welfare through cultural exchange, knowledge flow, and new economic opportunities.
Governor Ria Norsan called on everyone to welcome this new era with openness and readiness, making West Kalimantan not just a destination, but a source of pride on the ASEAN stage.
