Entikong, W Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - The Public Works and Housing Ministry (PUPR) said until now construction of road infrastructure along the Kalimantan border areas has been only 40 percent completed.

"Only 40 percent of 1,793 kilometers of highway to be built between Temaju and Sebatik in North Kalimantan," Highway Director General Hediyanto W.Husaini, said on the sidelines of activities accompanying President Joko Widsodo (Jokowi) on a visit to the State Border Cross Post (PLBN) in Entikong, regency of Sanggau, West Kalimantan on Wednesday.

In West Kalimantan alone completion already reached 60 percent of the total in the region to be fully completed functionally in 2019, Hediyanto said.

"Functionally means the road could be used by cars but not yet properly paved," he said.

By the end of this year 400-500 kilometers between Aruk and Nanga Badau could be used with car transport, Hediyanto added.

"Annually we could open access 200-250 kilometers on the average," he added.

The highway is close to and parallel with the border lines that would serve as security and defense access, he said.

In North Kalimantan , construction of 70-80 kilometers of the border highway would be a priority to be completed for its proximity to the birder line, he said.

He said the military is involved in the construction of along the border with Malaysia.

"There are 13 teams of the military and nine of then in West Kalimantan " he said.

Hediyanto said he has proposed to build a new road, a 202 kilometer semi toll road between Entikong and Pontianak.

The road is important after the completion of the highway along the border road to facilitate economic development in the region, he said . (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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