Opening Flight Route, DKI Opens Opportunities for Cooperation with Kelantan

The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI Jakarta) is opening opportunities for strategic inter-regional cooperation with Kelantan, Malaysia, one of which is the plan to open a flight route. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that the route is expected to strengthen connectivity and promote growth in the trade, investment, and tourism sectors. “Of course, Jakarta will become a new destination for Kelantan residents as well as Jakarta residents who want to visit Kelantan. Today, he led a delegation to Jakarta, and coincidentally tomorrow, 14 May, there will be Kelantan Day in Jakarta,” said Pramono after receiving a visit from Kelantan’s Menteri Besar Mohd Nassuruddin Daud at Jakarta City Hall on Wednesday. According to him, Jakarta is a highly potential market with an agglomeration population of 42 million people. On the other hand, Kelantan has several advantages, particularly in the health sector, which can serve as a new alternative for Jakarta residents. “So far, Jakarta residents going to Malaysia usually go to Penang; perhaps Kelantan can become a new alternative. One of Kelantan’s strengths is its health sector,” Pramono explained. In addition to the economic and tourism sectors, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is also opening opportunities for collaboration in education and cultural preservation, including the development and exploration of ancient Malay manuscripts that are a historical heritage for both regions. Meanwhile, Kelantan’s Menteri Besar Mohd Nassuruddin Daud expressed appreciation for the warm welcome from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. He also confirmed that direct flights from Kota Bharu to Jakarta will begin operating in June 2026. “We came here to promote the State of Kelantan because starting 16 June, there will be direct flights from Kelantan to Jakarta. In addition, Kelantan is also known to have many pesantren and Islamic study centres for a long time,” said Mohd Nassuruddin. He mentioned that Kelantan has rich natural tourism, distinctive cuisine, and strong historical values because it directly borders Thailand. Moreover, the region also offers quality healthcare services at relatively more competitive costs compared to other areas in Malaysia. “This meeting is hoped to be the initial step towards establishing sustainable collaboration between Jakarta and Kelantan in various mutually beneficial sectors,” he said.