Good news is coming from the aviation sector in West Kalimantan. Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening air connectivity in the region by offering special ticket discounts for civil servants and adding extra flights ahead of Lunar New Year 2026.
The plan was revealed during a meeting between West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan and Garuda Indonesia’s management team at the Governor’s Office on Friday, January 9, 2026. The meeting focused on evaluating current flight services as well as discussing Garuda’s future expansion plans in the province.
Governor Ria Norsan expressed his appreciation for Garuda Indonesia’s initiatives, which he said align well with the needs of both the local government and the public. One of the key topics discussed was the introduction of special discounted fares for civil servants working under the West Kalimantan Provincial Government.
According to the governor, this policy is welcome news, especially for civil servants who frequently travel for official duties. In addition to easing travel expenses, the program is expected to encourage greater use of the national carrier for government-related trips.
Garuda Indonesia also reported a positive trend in passenger traffic during the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holiday period. This increase was attributed to more affordable ticket prices and rising public mobility during the holiday season.
Garuda Indonesia Pontianak Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager, Widya Kurniawan Putra, confirmed that in 2026 the airline is officially rolling out special services for West Kalimantan civil servants. These services include ticket discounts along with additional supporting facilities.
Widya expressed hope that the program will create a positive trend, particularly for official travel, making Garuda Indonesia the preferred choice for civil servants.
Looking ahead to early 2026, Garuda Indonesia is also preparing to handle a surge in passengers during peak travel periods, especially ahead of Lunar New Year, Cap Go Meh, and Cheng Beng celebrations. Following guidance from the West Kalimantan Governor, the airline plans to increase flight frequency by adding extra flights.
Under normal conditions, Garuda operates two flights per day on certain routes. During the peak season, this will be increased to three flights daily, providing more flexibility and reducing congestion for travelers.
These strategic steps are expected to improve mobility for local residents and tourists alike, while also supporting the growth of tourism and the regional economy in West Kalimantan.
Garuda Indonesia hopes the cooperation on the civil servant discount program can be officially finalized soon, allowing all eligible government employees in the province to immediately enjoy the benefits.
With these service innovations and additional flights, Garuda Indonesia remains optimistic about continuing its role in supporting economic growth and tourism development in West Kalimantan throughout 2026.
