Governor Parkop Acknowledges Pacific Unity as "Pacific Story" Closes in Grand Celebration

Thousands of city residents packed the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday May 31, to join the Amazing 50th Celebrations with Fiji, Solomon Islands and West Papua, concluding with day 3 of Pacific Story.

The crowd started building up early in the day as many Papua New Guineans are fans of Pacific music and were eager to see their favourite artists from groups namely, Point of View band, Ghemu, Westpa Trio, Ramo, Jammin, Seru Serevi & Georgina, Kool Rootz and Onetox from these Melanesian countries.

The final day of the “Pacific Story” celebration concluded on a powerful note, as NCD Governor and host of the event, Hon. Powes Parkop, paid tribute to the Pacific communities who contributed to the success of the three-weekend event, part of the official countdown to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16, 2025.

He emphasized the significance of the "Pacific Story" in commemorating PNG's 50 years of nationhood, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs of the journey.  

He underscored the importance of reflection and learning from the past to build an even brighter future.  

"This is our journey, our story, about our country and our people," he stated.

The Governor extended heartfelt gratitude to the Pacific Island communities who participated throughout the three-day event, specifically mentioning Samoa, New Zealand, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and West Papua.  

He praised their enthusiastic participation and the powerful storytelling through their cultural performances.  

"Our story is not complete without acknowledging their contributions," said Governor Parkop.

He highlighted the historical significance of these communities' involvement in shaping PNG's history, citing examples such as the contribution of police officers from Tonga, Fiji, and Solomon Islands to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in 1902, the role of Fiji Medical School in educating PNG's early doctors, the influence of Fijian missionaries in various regions of the country, and the significant contributions of the West Papuan community since 1962 across various professions.

Governor Parkop emphasized the deep and enduring ties between PNG and its Pacific neighbors, stating that the event was 

crucial in recognizing these connections.  

He extended thanks to the participating artists, particularly from the three Melanesian countries especially Fiji, Solomon Islands and West Papua, whose performances concluded the "Pacific Story" on a high note.  

Looking ahead, he announced plans for future events showcasing the contributions of other communities in shaping PNG’s journey. The closing ceremony served as a powerful affirmation of PNG's identity and its place within the broader Pacific community.

This Saturday 7th June 2025, at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, the ” Australian will be hosting the Australian Community Day" as part of the lead-up to Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Anniversary. This event will highlight the "Pacific Story" and lead into the "Asia Story" with the Filipino Community Day.

Following this, the "Philippines Day" celebration will take place on Sunday, June 8th , 2025, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM , again at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

 This event is also in support of PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary and promises a vibrant immersion into rich Filipino culture. 

Attendees can expect:

Live performances: Including a mini-concert by Filipino artist Jason Fernandez and Filipino cultural dancing.

Filipino food & drinks: A chance to savor authentic cuisine.

Games, prizes, and family fun: Entertainment for all ages.

Raffle draw: Opportunity to win a brand-new pickup truck and other exciting prizes for K100 per ticket.

The Papua’s Friend of Nature Institute and Mapping of Storylines

 

The Institute of the Friends of Papuan Nature (Lembaga Sahabat Alam Papua - SAPA) has been at the forefront of efforts to document and map out the customary story-lines in West Papua. These story-lines, passed down through generations, are crucial in understanding the spiritual connection that the indigenous people of West Papua have to their land. They also play a significant role in shaping the cultural, social, and economic development of the community.

Customary story-lines are a form of traditional knowledge that encapsulates the history, myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs of the indigenous people of West Papua. These narratives provide a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that informs the identity and sense of belonging of the community. By documenting and mapping out these story-lines, SAPA aims to preserve and protect this cultural heritage for future generations.

One of the key aspects of customary story-lines is their connection to the land. For the indigenous people of West Papua, the land is not just a physical space but a sacred entity that is imbued with spiritual significance. The story-lines serve as a guide for understanding the relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of respect, harmony, and reciprocity with the environment.

Moreover, customary story-lines also inform social relationships within the community. They provide a framework for governance, conflict resolution, and decision-making, as well as guidance on moral and ethical behaviour. By documenting these story-lines, SAPA is not only preserving cultural traditions but also promoting social cohesion and solidarity within the community.

Economically, customary story-lines play a significant role in the management of natural resources. They contain customary laws and practices that regulate the use of land, water, and forests, ensuring sustainable resource management and environmental conservation. By recognizing and institutionalizing customary social organizations within modern frameworks, there is potential to leverage this traditional knowledge for sustainable development and economic empowerment of the indigenous communities.

Legalizing customary laws and institutionalizing customary social organizations can have far-reaching implications for the governance of natural resources and land rights in West Papua. It can provide a legal framework for the recognition and protection of customary land tenure rights, as well as facilitate community participation in decision-making processes related to resource management. However, it is essential to ensure that these institutional practices are inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the community.

One example of the significance of preserving and protecting customary traditions is the case of the Arfak community in West Papua. The Arfak people have a rich oral tradition that narrates their history, customs, and spiritual beliefs. By documenting these story-lines, SAPA has been able to support the community in asserting their land rights and cultural heritage against external threats, such as deforestation and mining activities. This has led to the establishment of community-based conservation initiatives that have helped protect the environment and enhance the livelihoods of the Arfak people.

In conclusion, the efforts of SAPA in documenting and mapping out the customary story-lines in West Papua are crucial for preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of the indigenous people. Recognizing the spiritual connection to the land embedded in these narratives is essential for promoting sustainable development, social cohesion, and environmental conservation in the region. By legalizing customary laws and institutionalizing customary social organizations, there is potential to leverage traditional knowledge for the benefit of the community and ensure the empowerment and self-determination of the indigenous people of West Papua.

Mereka ukirkan pengalaman masa lalu sejarah kelam yang mereka

Anak-anak mudah berbakat generasi Melanesia Papua Barat yang tumbuh besar tempat diaspora dengan mengembangkan potensi mereka sendiri yang berguna untuk mempertahankan cerita orisinalitas jati diri dan budaya. Mereka ukirkan pengalaman masa lalu sejarah kelam yang mereka wariskan dari  generasi tua, itu yang menjadi cerita hidup yang telah membuat sutradara cerit Papua Barat terbaik melalui proyek Kal Kangam-kal. Film cerita anak-anak Papua bertajuk Kal Kangam-kal yang diambil dari bahasa Amungme artinya cerita dari Papua Barat.

Melalui komunitas  ini mereka mengorganisir diri dan mewadahi kalangan anak muda tempat diaspora. Dan pekerjaan mereka pergi bercerita dengan tetua mereka ttg budaya, bentuk dan kisah perjuangan, termasuk bentuk-bentuk kekerasan yang sampai kini belum belum berakhir. Latensi jati diri mereka lalu hasil nya buat film dan tayangkan di berbagai acara festival lainnya di Melbourne Australia. 

Memberdayakan diri dengan Proyek komunitas bercerita ini adalah satu inisiatif baru kalangan generasi mudah yang ingin mempertahankan jati diri serta mempromosikan hak politik pembebasan untuk penentuan nasip sendiri. Tindakan melalui komunitas "Cerita Dari Papua Barat" Ini menita peratian public di kalangan masyarakat terutama di Australia. Komunitas ini telah berkembang luas di wilayah mereka tinggal, kemudian bermitra dengan berbagai organ. Kemitraan ini digunakan sebagai satu cara mengkampanyekan isu-isu HAM dan Politik Papua Barat public secara regional dan nasional di Australi. Termasuk pengiat yang memiliki spesialis beragam telah turut mendorong mengadvokasinya.

Kegunaan proyek ini adalah cara satu pola trauma healing kolektif menggunakan cerita ringan. Cerita komunitas dari Papua Barat ini mampu melawan beban sejarah traumatic. Dan Komunitas Cerita ini menjadi satu tempat yang mempu memuntahkan beban psikologi dari sejarah kelam masa lalu yang telah membentuk mereka dan generasi tua melalui model mendengarkan cerita para tetua dan dibuatkan sutradara terbaik. 

Awalnya membingkai cerita sebagai bentuk melawan warisan beban traumatis soaial dengan mengisahkan bagaimana perjalanan orang tua dari Papua Barat masuk ke Australia 2006, perjuangan mencari suaka politik dan beradaptasi lingkungan baru serta cara kehidupan mereka di Melbourne Australia yang sangat mengesankan. Sebagai sesepuh atau pemimpin lokakarya anak-anak mudah ini oleh Makabory, Kerkow, dan Tupuola. Mereka sebagai pemimpin proyek "Cerita Dari Papua Barat".

Mereka ukirkan pengalaman masa lalu sejarah kelam yang mereka

Anak-anak mudah berbakat generasi Melanesia Papua Barat yang tumbuh besar tempat diaspora dengan mengembangkan potensi mereka sendiri yang berguna untuk mempertahankan cerita orisinalitas jati diri dan budaya. Mereka ukirkan pengalaman masa lalu sejarah kelam yang mereka wariskan dari  generasi tua, itu yang menjadi cerita hidup yang telah membuat sutradara cerit Papua Barat terbaik melalui proyek Kal Kangam-kal. Film cerita anak-anak Papua bertajuk Kal Kangam-kal yang diambil dari bahasa Amungme artinya cerita dari Papua Barat.

Melalui komunitas  ini mereka mengorganisir diri dan mewadahi kalangan anak muda tempat diaspora. Dan pekerjaan mereka pergi bercerita dengan tetua mereka ttg budaya, bentuk dan kisah perjuangan, termasuk bentuk-bentuk kekerasan yang sampai kini belum belum berakhir. Latensi jati diri mereka lalu hasil nya buat film dan tayangkan di berbagai acara festival lainnya di Melbourne Australia. 

Memberdayakan diri dengan Proyek komunitas bercerita ini adalah satu inisiatif baru kalangan generasi mudah yang ingin mempertahankan jati diri serta mempromosikan hak politik pembebasan untuk penentuan nasip sendiri. Tindakan melalui komunitas "Cerita Dari Papua Barat" Ini menita peratian public di kalangan masyarakat terutama di Australia. Komunitas ini telah berkembang luas di wilayah mereka tinggal, kemudian bermitra dengan berbagai organ. Kemitraan ini digunakan sebagai satu cara mengkampanyekan isu-isu HAM dan Politik Papua Barat public secara regional dan nasional di Australi. Termasuk pengiat yang memiliki spesialis beragam telah turut mendorong mengadvokasinya.

Kegunaan proyek ini adalah cara satu pola trauma healing kolektif menggunakan cerita ringan. Cerita komunitas dari Papua Barat ini mampu melawan beban sejarah traumatic. Dan Komunitas Cerita ini menjadi satu tempat yang mempu memuntahkan beban psikologi dari sejarah kelam masa lalu yang telah membentuk mereka dan generasi tua melalui model mendengarkan cerita para tetua dan dibuatkan sutradara terbaik. 

Awalnya membingkai cerita sebagai bentuk melawan warisan beban traumatis soaial dengan mengisahkan bagaimana perjalanan orang tua dari Papua Barat masuk ke Australia 2006, perjuangan mencari suaka politik dan beradaptasi lingkungan baru serta cara kehidupan mereka di Melbourne Australia yang sangat mengesankan. Sebagai sesepuh atau pemimpin lokakarya anak-anak mudah ini oleh Makabory, Kerkow, dan Tupuola. Mereka sebagai pemimpin proyek "Cerita Dari Papua Barat".