Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (has pledged nearly two-billion dollars to improve welfare in the province of Papua.
President Yudhoyono made the announcement during a visit to the province, where he inspected health and education facilities.
The President says the government can convince the Papuan people that Jakarta is doing good things for the province through improved welfare programs.
The funding comes as leaders from both Indonesia and Australia seek to defuse tensions between the two nations after 42 Papuans were granted temporary protection visas last month.