More roads for Baliem valley

More roads for Baliem valley

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The regency will require Rp 28 billion
(US$12.3 million) for the construction of roads in the Baliem
valley to open the area to the outside world, a local legislator
says.

"The only way to free the Irianese living in the Jayapura
regency hinterland from isolation is by constructing as many
roads as possible," Chairman of the Jayawijaya regency
legislative council Budiman Kogoya was quoted by Antara as saying
over the weekend.

He said that most of the people are still living in the stone
age because of the natural isolation.

He said that the Jayawijaya administration spent Rp 22 billion
last year, also for the construction of roads in the valley. (imn)