The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $180m in loans to improve 470km of the road network in northern Kalimantan and southern Java in Indonesia.

The upgrades will be carried out in southern Java and in rural districts in northern Kalimantan and these roads will run through national transport corridors in four provinces, linking sections from Indonesia to Malaysia.

James Lynch, ADB’s director of transport in Southeast Asia said, said: "The upgrades along these vital routes will open up access to markets, investments, job opportunities and social services for many poor communities, which is essential for equitable development across the country."

Once complete, the link between Kalimantan and Malaysia border will support the inter-connectivity between ASEAN (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East) regions.

The 25-year loan will be part of $380.5m project, which will be co-funded with $65m from the Islamic Development Bank while the Indonesian Government will provide $135.5m.

Work is expected to be complete by February 2016.