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n his efforts to bring about more inclusive development and increase welfare in Papua, President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo says the construction of a railway may begin this year.

Jokowi has sought more inclusive development across the country, particularly in remote areas in eastern Indonesia, such as Papua, which remain among the poorest regions despite abundant natural resources.

Citing the example of the trans-Sulawesi railway construction project, which is planned to connect at least four provinces in Sulawesi, Jokowi said the railway construction in Papua might start in Sorong, West Papua, some time this year.

'€œWe have just started the construction of a railway project in Sulawesi; later this year, [a railway project will start] in Papua,'€ Jokowi said as quoted by Antara newsagency.

The comment was made during a dialogue with locals in South Sorong regency on Friday, which was his last day in Papua during his third visit to the region.

Jokowi initially predicted that the feasibility study for the project would be completed late last year, but the study has required more time.

'€œIt'€™s alright; what is important is that the [construction of the] line can be started [soon]. It is likely to be started in Sorong; therefore, other areas should not be upset about this,'€ said the President, who has often expressed his optimism regarding the railway project in Papua.

The President also said that he expected to see all areas in Papua and West Papua connected by road transportation by 2018.

Papua has long been known for its geographical challenges and security problems, which have hindered development.

The central government has long been accused of being solely interested in Papua'€™s rich natural resources, with little regard for its people.

Critics and observers have called on the government to make more of an effort to improve the people'€™s welfare.

The government has responded to these demands by declaring special autonomy status for the region, allowing it a greater budget for development.

These efforts have yet to bear fruit with many residents living in poverty and frequent fatal clashes between local residents and police and military personnel.

Papua has also been in the news recently following the controversy over negotiations on the contract of Papua'€™s biggest copper and gold mining firm PT Freeport Indonesia, the local unit of US-based mining giant Freeport McMoRan, which cost former House of Representatives speaker Setya Novanto his job.

Jokowi has attempted to use a different approach in Papua by stepping up efforts to create more inclusive development in Papua since he took office despite lingering doubts over how his administration will follow up on his initiatives.

In May, during his second visit to Papua, Jokowi opened up access for foreign journalists and international organizations to Papua and West Papua, and granted clemency to five political prisoners incarcerated in Jayapura.

To foster peace in the restive region, Jokowi has also called on security personnel to promote dialogue with local people in order to build mutual trust.

In his effort to ensure his officials do indeed pay attention to Papua, Jokowi held a limited Cabinet meeting to address issues related to Papua early last December.

'€œThe government, the state, must show its presence [in Papua] by building infrastructure, roads, bridges, ports, industrial areas and markets, as well as by providing health, education and social services,'€ Jokowi said at that time.

Jokowi has also called on all officials to open doors for Papuan people to participate in the development program, saying that the central government should listen to Papuan voices.