Schoolchildren Among Trekkers Stranded on PNG's Kokoda Track Due to Landowner Dispute

Schoolchildren Among Trekkers Stranded on PNG's Kokoda Track Due to Landowner Dispute

​Papua New Guinea Kokoda Track Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Julius Wargirai has confirmed that school children were among the trekkers stranded along the Kokoda Track after its closure at Naoro village on Monday. According to Wargirai, the children were part of one of three groups trekking the Kokoda Track over the Independence Day weekend.

The group, consisting of 50 school-aged children and their guides, was airlifted from Naoro, with the last group being airlifted from Augulogo. Wargirai stated that efforts were ongoing to resolve the dispute with landowners, emphasizing the significance of the Kokoda Track as a peak tourist destination during this time.

"The issue is between the Government and the landowners, and there is little I can do on my end. However, as the track remains closed, the responsibility for addressing the situation lies with me," Wargirai said. He added that meetings had taken place involving Tourism Minister Belden Namah, Northern Governor Garry Juffa, and Central Governor Rufina Peter to address the issue.

A submission has been made to the Government, and Wargirai confirmed that all tourists had returned safely to Port Moresby, where they were staying in hotels while arranging their flights home.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner David Manning stated that the police were satisfied there was no threat to the welfare of the trekkers. He labeled the protest as illegal, saying, "There are better ways to air grievances than to prevent foreign travellers from completing this historic track."

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