JAKARTA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's transport ministry will kick off building dozens of seaports across the archipelagic country next year in an effort to boost efficiency in economy and competitiveness of exported products.

Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said on Thursday that a total of 39 new seaports would be constructed in 2018, a move which can reduce cost of products and help spur economic growth.

"The sea ports are expected to smooth distribution of goods and movement of people," he said in a statement.

The construction is part of the government's mega project of toll roads across the nation.

Infrastructure of transportation has partly been blamed for eroding competitiveness of products from Indonesia.

Indonesia is home to some 17,500 islands with a population of over 250 million people.