The Brunei-Balikpapan route serves as a strategic bridge, opening new opportunities for partnership and growth while connecting people to key economic and cultural hubs, said Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Chief Executive Officer Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid.
He said this during a reception to celebrate the relaunch of RB’s flights to Balikpapan, Indonesia, at the Royal Berkshire Hall in Kampong Jerudong yesterday.
“It is an honour for RB to contribute to the air connectivity between the two nations that drives tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah noted that last night was a testament to resilience, recovery and renewal.
“For many of us, this flight route carries with it more than just logistical importance. It is a lifeline. A connection to families, to businesses and to opportunities. It serves as a bridge between communities allowing people to travel more easily, to experience the region, and to strengthen the bonds that unite us all.”
The challenges faced, he added, have underscored just how important connectivity is and whether for business, tourism, or family reunions, the ability to travel freely and safely is a privilege cherished by all.
The ambassador said that the reactivation is a critical step toward bringing back the vibrancy of the regional network and it speaks volumes on the collective commitment to moving forward.
Underlining the significance of this milestone, he noted that Kalimantan, or Borneo, is the largest island in Asia with around 73 per cent of its area belonging to Indonesia and the rest divided among Brunei and Malaysia.
“Yet, despite some recent infrastructure developments, connectivity remains a hurdle to reach its economic potential as pointed out by a recent business roundtable here in Brunei.
For example, as of today, there is no direct flight between any city in Brunei, Sarawak, and Sabah to any city in Indonesian provinces in Kalimantan.”
This is why a direct flight between Brunei and Balikpapan will be a giant step for economic development in the region, the ambassador said.
The reception featured nasi tumpeng, a ceremonial dish from Indonesia served at the event to symbolise gratitude and good fortune and guests were also entertained with cultural performance, courtesy of the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, highlighting the unique cultural heritage shared between the two regions.
The Brunei-Balikpapan route operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the Airbus A320neo.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, who is also Chairman of RB, was the guest of honour. – Lyna Mohamad
