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)