Indonesia has a grand plan to boost economic and tourism growth and is prepared to spend a massive $400 billion to enhance nationwide connectivity.
The ambitious plan will involve the construction of at least 25 new airports, numerous new seaports and roads.
"The only way for Indonesia to have higher economic growth is connectivity," said planning minister Bambang Brodjonegoro.
The government will fund about 40%, while state-owned enterprises and the private sector will pay for the remainder.
The various projects will commence from next year until 2024.
Air connectivity is key to its aim of significantly increasing visitor arrivals, and dispersing travellers away from overcrowded Bali.
"We are planning to establish the equivalent of a highway for the skies by building airstrips or smaller airports for connectivity" Brodjonegoro said.
It is also essential for trade in a country spanning about 3,000 miles and 17,000 islands.
The draft proposal also calls for upgrading as many as 165 existing airports.
