Governor: Pontianak–Singapore Route Expands West Kalimantan's Export Access

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan stated that the direct Pontianak-Singapore flight route expands new export channels for the region’s leading commodities. ‘The opening of the direct Scoot flight route between Singapore and Pontianak not only facilitates people’s mobility but also opens up great opportunities for business players to expand their export markets, especially to Singapore, so we must make good use of this,’ said Governor Ria Norsan during the inaugural Scoot flight event at Supadio Airport, Kubu Raya, on Monday. He said the export potential to Singapore is also supported by PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, which has ensured that Supadio International Airport has adequate cargo capacity and facilities to support the increase in international trade flows. ‘The most important thing is not just the passengers, but the export opportunities we can utilise. West Kalimantan’s leading products, especially fishery products such as fish, shrimp, crabs, and other commodities, have a great opportunity to be marketed to Singapore through this direct flight,’ he said. According to him, the presence of this international route is expected to cut distribution time while increasing the competitiveness of West Kalimantan products in the global market because deliveries can be made more quickly and efficiently. He encouraged business players, especially in the fisheries, plantation, and other export-oriented sectors, to immediately prepare their production capacity and supply chains to meet the demands of the Singaporean market. ‘We hope that business players will truly take advantage of this opportunity. Hopefully, exports of West Kalimantan’s leading commodities via Singapore can continue to grow and provide added value for the regional economy,’ he said. The West Kalimantan Provincial Government hopes that the synergy between the government, airport operators, airlines, and business players can turn the Pontianak-Singapore route into a new trade corridor capable of increasing exports, attracting investment, and strengthening West Kalimantan’s position as one of Indonesia’s international trade gateways in the western region. Meanwhile, the General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia for Supadio International Airport, Maya Damayanti, confirmed that her party is ready to support export development through international flights by preparing airport infrastructure, including cargo terminal services capable of meeting air logistics needs. According to Maya, the opening of the Singapore route is a strategic step in strengthening West Kalimantan’s international connectivity, not only for passenger transport but also opening up space for increasing the distribution of high-value goods that require fast delivery times. ‘We are committed to being a strategic partner for the regional government in opening international connectivity. All aspects of service, safety, and security, including support for cargo operations, have been prepared in accordance with international standards,’ she said. She explained that Supadio International Airport currently has cargo terminal facilities that can serve both domestic and international goods shipments. With the addition of the route to Singapore, this capacity can be optimised to support the export of various leading commodities from West Kalimantan. Maya added that since international flights resumed in September 2025, Supadio International Airport has recorded 1,289 international aircraft movements with a total of 155,560 passengers and an average seat load factor reaching 70 percent. ‘This trend shows that international flight activity in West Kalimantan continues to grow and serves as important capital in strengthening air logistics services,’ said Maya. Meanwhile, Scoot’s Chief Representative for Indonesia, Divesh Singaraju, said his airline views Indonesia as a market with high growth potential, both for the tourism and trade sectors. According to him, improved connectivity will foster more business opportunities between Indonesia and Singapore. He revealed that the inaugural Pontianak-Singapore flight received a positive response with an almost full seat load factor. ‘If demand continues to increase, Scoot is open to evaluating the addition of flight frequencies, which will indirectly also increase the cargo transport capacity on this route,’ he said.