TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chief Economic's Minister Chairul Tanjung has said North Sulawesi will build a-39 kilometer toll road linking Manado and Bitung, as reported by Antara News.

The project to be built in two sections, will cost around Rp4.16 trillion, Chairul said on Sunday.

Construction of the first section of 13.5 ki8lometers to cost Rp800 billion or around US$80 million, will be financed with fund from the state budget.

The remaining 25.5 kilometers will be built and financed by the Toll Road Corporation (BUJT).

After completion, BUJT will operate the 25.5 kilometer part of the toll road which is estimated to cost Rp3 trillion, Chairul said.

"The toll road would greatly contribute to development of the regional economy," he said.

The North Sulawesi provincial administration hoped that the project could be implemented immediately.

Meanwhile Manado is building a ring road that is expected to be completed soon.

Construction of the toll road would start by the end of 2014 to be launched by Chairul Tanjung and Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto.

Djoko Kirmanto said Manado is also building a bridge named Soekarno Bridge to be completed in 2015.

ANTARA NEWS