By V. Sivaji
The Penang International Airport (PIA) this morning welcomed the inaugural TransNusa flight from Jakarta, marking a significant expansion of direct air links between Indonesia and Penang. Flight 8B633 touched down at 8.20am, receiving the traditional water cannon salute on arrival.
State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai was present to welcome the aircraft and passengers, together with TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis and his delegation.
Also in attendance were Pak Wanton Seragih Sid, Consul General of Indonesia in Penang; Puan Baizuri Baharum, Director of International Promotion Division (Southeast Asia); Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General Promotion (II), Tourism Malaysia; Leo Budiman, Director of TransNusa; and Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism, among other dignitaries.
Arriving passengers were greeted with a lively kompang performance and received goody bags as part of the welcoming festivities.
In his address, Wong expressed his delight at TransNusa’s decision to establish its first-ever route to Penang, calling it “a historic and meaningful milestone” for both destinations.
“This inaugural service expands Penang’s international flight network while strengthening cultural exchange, economic ties, and the longstanding friendship between Penang and Indonesia,” said Wong.
Wong noted that TransNusa’s confidence in Penang as a vibrant destination for tourism, business, and healthcare is timely, especially as 2026 has been declared both Visit Malaysia Year and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism.
He highlighted Indonesia’s importance to Penang’s tourism sector, particularly in medical tourism, where Indonesian visitors contribute nearly 90% of Penang’s medical tourism revenue. Indonesia has also been the top international tourist market for Penang for three consecutive years.
“For Indonesian travellers, Penang offers strong advantages — short flight distances, affordable medical care, diverse attractions, and the ideal blend of recovery and leisure,” Wong added. “It is no surprise that Penang has long been the preferred medical tourism destination for Indonesians.”
The new Jakarta–Penang service currently operates three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with plans to increase to daily flights starting December 2025, providing greater convenience for travellers.
“TransNusa is building a bridge that will enable leisure travellers, families, medical patients, businesspeople, and students from Indonesia to enjoy Penang with greater ease and comfort,” Wong said.
The event also featured a cake-cutting ceremony and an exchange of souvenirs between the VIP representatives to commemorate the inaugural flight.
