New roads in Maluku open

AMBON, Maluku: The local administration has opened three new land routes connecting Ambon with remote areas in the Seram island.

Chief of the provincial land transportation agency M.R. Soulisa said yesterday that opening of the new routes which were part of the Trans-Seram road networks would hopefully attract businesses to invest in the area.

The road, whose construction started in 1974, has not been completed yet. The Seram island is fast developing and the central government has invested some Rp 1 trillion (US$476 million).

The funds will go towards the financing of the fishery, plantation and farming programs, Antara reported. (par)