The Kokoda Track Reopens After Payment Dispute

The Kokoda Track, one of Papua New Guinea’s most popular tourist attractions, has reopened after being shut down by landowners over a payment dispute. The track, which spans 96 kilometers from near Port Moresby to Kokoda Village in the Owen Stanley Ranges, had been closed since earlier this year due to a disagreement between the landowners and the government.

The History of the Track

The Kokoda Track gained fame during World War II when Australian troops clashed with Japanese soldiers along its route throughout 1942. After the war, it became a noted trekking route, attracting mostly Australians who followed the path taken by the soldiers under far more perilous conditions.

The Landowners’ Concerns

The Mt Kodu landowners had forced the shutdown of the track due to unpaid compensation for turning down a gold mine development on their land. The landowners claimed that the government had committed to pay them K$50 million, but only two instalments of K$5m each were paid before the balance was not paid.

Reopening and Compensation

The provincial governor, Gary Juffa, announced at the reopening ceremony in Kokoda Village that the government would honor its commitment to pay the landowners. The money will be paid out in instalments through a specially set up body, ensuring it is spread across the community as requested by the landowners.

Impact on Local Communities

The governor highlighted that the governments of both PNG and Australia need to look at ways to help these people, who have been living in conditions similar to those in the 1940s. He noted that a previous arrangement to provide assistance was maintained by Canberra but not by the PNG government until the Marape government stepped up.

Conclusion

The reopening of the Kokoda Track is a positive step for tourism in Papua New Guinea, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing historical grievances and providing compensation to those affected. As Governor Juffa stated, “Our government has made a commitment to honour the agreement made by a previous government to pay the Kodu landowners the amount of money we had committed to pay them at the time.” The track’s reopening paves the way for tourists to experience one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic attractions while also acknowledging the complex history and ongoing issues faced by local communities.

Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
Photo: Adventure Kokoda / Charlie Lynn / Facebook