Much awaited Kuching – Pontianak bus service resumes

The Kuching – Pontianak cross-border bus service resumed on September 1 after an eighteen-month suspension.

Sarawak transport minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin launched the service resumption at the Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (IQCS) centre in Serian.

This bus service is part of the trial run for the express bus operation between Kuching and Pontianak for one month until September 30.

The Sarawak government suspended the nine-hour cross-border bus service on March 17, 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The suspension affected Pontianak-Kuching and the Pontianak-Sarawak-Brunei routes.

Kuching – Pontianak service resumption

Sarawak state government worked closely with the Indonesian consulate general in Kuching to ensure the service resumption.

The cross-border bus service would boost the economic recovery of both countries.

Lee remarked that for the first phase, both sides had agreed to operate cross-border buses five times a week.

Following this, Sarawak’s Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) approved bus permit for the Indonesian bus company Damri Express.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian transport authority approved five bus permits for Sarawak bus company Biaramas Bus Express to ply the route.

Besides the express bus services, both countries would discuss the resumption of air transportation connecting Pontianak in West Kalimantan and Kuching in Sarawak.

Continued coordination between countries

The Indonesian consulate general in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono said they would continue coordinating to open the land transportation borders.

“Thank God, with the support of all parties, the Consulate General in Kuching continues to encourage and make efforts to improve economic conditions,” he told Antara news agency. 

“Initially, we started with private vehicles, and since June-July, we have continued to encourage the opening of (means of) public transportation,” he stated. 

According to Witjaksono, transport operators and people in Sarawak and West Kalimantan have awaited the reopening of public transportation. 

“This is undoubtedly very beneficial for both parties, and we hope everything will run smoothly. 

Thus, these two countries economy, trade, and tourism can recover soon and continue to develop,” said Raden.

Kuching – Pontianak Bus Service

The travel duration from Kuching to Pontianak is around 9 hours depending on the traffic condition, weather and travel season. 

The transportation mode is the most convenient and affordable for frequent travellers on this route.

The bus ticket costs vary between RM 45.00 to RM 60.00, depending on the coach type.

Currently, two bus companies are plying the route, Biaramas Express and Damri Express.

Biaramas Express will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while Damri Express will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.