Officials in Indonesia's Papua province have indicated that around US$70 million is being made available for an initial phase of the construction of the Trans Papua road.
The road, for which planning has been at the conceptual phase for years, would link a number of regions and hubs in Papua, including Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, Enarotali, Korowai and Merauke.
It will be around 4,325 kilometres long.
Tabloid Jubi reports that the road has become a major priority for Papua and West Papua provinces, according to the Head of the Roads and Bridges in Papua, Oesman Marbun.
Mr Marbun says that construction of the road must contend with rugged, mountainous, and heavily forested terrain but that engineers would figure out the most direct paths.
He conceded the most fundamental problem for the planned highway was securing consent for construction where customary land rights must be adhered to.
Mr Marbun said local government would therefore play a role in addressing related issues, in order for the road to proceed.
Indonesia's planned Trans-Papuan Highway. Photo: Jalan Lintas Papua - Jubi/IST.