Indonesia is set to begin a feasibility study for the $13.9bn Sunda Strait bridge project this year and is planning to complete it within two years.

The region’s government is planning to partner with a private company and subsidiary of Artha Graha Group, Bangungraha Sejahtera Mulia, to form the Banten-Lampung consortium to carry out the project.

Malaysian Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto said to Jakarta Post: "In line with a presidential regulation on the Sunda Strait, the initiators will complete a feasibility study within 24 months."

The Malaysian Government will sign an agreement with Banten-Lampung consortium for the feasibility study next week and basic design; the estimated budget is expected to be finalised at the end of the two years.

The 31km bridge will run from Anyer in Banten in the island of Java to Bakauheni in Lampung on Sumatra island, passing through Sanghiyang, Prajurit and the Ular islands in the Sunda Strait.

It will be the longest inter-island bridge in the country and is expected to reduce traffic congestion around the port of Merak in Banten. Construction work is scheduled to start in 2014 and the bridge is expected to be operational by 2025.

Once complete, the bridge could encourage commuters in Jabodetabek to travel to Lampung province in southern Sumatra from Banten in West Java.

Under the various options considered for the design, the government is looking at a bridge, an under-sea tunnel, or a combination of these two options to connect the islands.

In addition, one of the three state-run construction companies, Wijaya Karya, Adhi Karya and Waskita Karya, are expected to participate in the tender process; although the government will give preference to Banten-Lampung consortium.