AirBorneo takes off for Jakarta: Kuching direct flights from RM399

Fly direct, skip the transit: AirBorneo runs the Kuching-Jakarta route three times a week on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. — Picture courtesy of AirBorneo

First Published: Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 10:56 AM MYT

KUCHING, Nov 14 — Sarawak’s state-owned carrier AirBorneo Airways Sdn Bhd (AirBorneo) has launched direct flights between Kuching and Jakarta, establishing a new air link between Sarawak and Indonesia’s capital.

The inaugural flight, MY396, departed Kuching International Airport yesterday and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 3 to a traditional water salute, completing the journey in under two hours.

AirBorneo chief executive officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin said Jakarta was the airline’s first destination in Indonesia and its third jet route since services began in July.

“We see it as a link between neighbours rather than simply a market we fly into, and we hope it serves business travellers, families and visitors in both directions.

“We are very glad to bring Kuching and Jakarta a little closer,” he said, adding that the airline’s immediate priority was to operate the route reliably and grow it sustainably.

The flight was sent off at the Kuching International Airport by caretaker Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

AirBorneo said the new service was expected to support stronger ties between Sarawak and Indonesia in business, tourism and healthcare by providing a direct connection without the need for transit through a third city.

For businesses, investors and official delegations, the route is expected to facilitate trade, investment and bilateral partnerships between Sarawak and Jakarta.

It is also expected to encourage two-way tourism, giving Indonesian visitors easier access to Sarawak’s Unesco World Heritage sites, rainforests and cultural festivals, while providing Sarawakians with a direct link to Jakarta’s food, fashion, creative and lifestyle attractions.

The service is also expected to benefit medical travellers, particularly patients and family members coming to Sarawak for specialist treatment, second opinions, diagnostic screening or planned procedures.

AirBorneo said avoiding connecting flights would make travel easier for elderly passengers and those recovering from medical treatment.

The Kuching-Jakarta route operates three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 12 Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats.

Flight MY396 operates from Kuching to Jakarta, while the return service is numbered MY397.

One-way all-in fares from Kuching start at RM399 for Economy Class and RM888 for Business Class.

Fares from Jakarta start at 1.75 million rupiah (RM402) and 3.88 million rupiah (RM892) respectively.

The fares include checked baggage, seat selection and in-flight meals.

AirBorneo said tickets were available exclusively through its official website, www.airborneo.com, mobile app, ticketing offices and accredited travel agents to ensure fare transparency and protect passengers from unauthorised third-party mark-ups.

Travellers can book flights directly or arrange holiday packages through accredited travel partners.

Customers in Indonesia can also pay in Indonesian rupiah through local digital payment channels. — The Borneo Post