Sarawak wants federal approval sped up for a Kuching-Putussibau cross-border bus route. [image: 1785751410267-kuching_putussibau_bus_20260803.jpg] Source: DayakDaily / Sarawak Ministry of Transport The Sarawak Ministry of Transport will send an official request to the federal side to speed up approval for the proposed Kuching-Putussibau bus service. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the route is meant to improve links between Sarawak and West Kalimantan through the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau entry point. Why it matters Operators from both sides, Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have indicated they are ready to start. Lee said the route could support tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activity. He also said the current Putussibau-Pontianak overland trip takes about 20 hours, while using the Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau and Tebedu-Entikong route could cut travel time by more than half. Kuching as a transit hub The ministry also sees Kuching becoming a regional transit point, linking flights through Kuching International Airport with land travel into Kalimantan. Location: Kuching, Lubok Antu and Putussibau Details: Sarawak is asking for faster federal approval for a proposed cross-border bus route. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak and Indonesia discussed stronger air links to Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak, together with better road connectivity through border checkpoints. [image: 1784023513243-sarawak-indonesia-airlinks.jpg] Photo: Ministry of Transport Sarawak via DayakDaily The discussion took place during a courtesy visit by Indonesian Consul General in Kuching Dr Abdullah Zulkifli to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Both sides said growing movement between Sarawak and Kalimantan makes easier transport links increasingly important for tourism, trade, investment and family travel. Discussion is not the same as a confirmed route Jakarta, Balikpapan and Pontianak were named as existing or potential connections under discussion. The July 14 statement did not announce an airline, flight frequency, launch date or fare for any new service. That distinction matters. A route only becomes useful to travellers after an airline receives the necessary approvals and publishes a bookable schedule. Until then, residents should not plan a trip around an unconfirmed service. Land links were also part of the meeting. The two sides discussed Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security checkpoints along the Sarawak–Kalimantan border as cross-border movement and economic activity increase. For Kuching travellers, the next facts worth watching are which airline applies for the route, whether it will be direct, how often it will fly and whether timings allow useful onward connections. Official updates should come from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the airline concerned and airport or aviation authorities. Status on July 14: Connectivity options discussed; no new launch date announced Sources: DayakDaily · Ministry of Transport Sarawak