Bogor city - Origin of the PNG oil Palm industry

One must wonder where the humble oil palm seeds that now generate about K1.1 billion annually to the National economy came from.

Of course, most people in PNG don’t know and have been taking this valuable agricultural cash tree crop for granted

An oil palm harvester in West New Britain Province. Pic courtesy of PNG Oil Palm Industry image  

But after four decades, we now know where the oil palm seed originated. Thanks to Inter Governmental vice Minister Joseph Sungi.

 

Intergovernmental vice Minister and Indonesian Home Affairs Deputy Minister Saul Sitomorang exchanging gifts the opening of the 30^th JBC meeting at Hotel Salat, Bogor city Indonesia

 

Yes, the seed was brought in from Bogor city, Indonesia and planted in West New Britain Province in the 1960s.   This city which is 60 kilometers south of the Indonesian capital of Jakarta helped developed PNG’s National economy before gaining political independence from Australia.

 

Housing estate in Bogor city, Indonesia.

Mr Sungi who is an agriculturist by profession marvelously   revealed PNG’s proud link with Bogor city to PNG Ambassador to Indonesia Commodore (rtd) Peter Ilau when both were touring and admiring Bogor city.

And of course an equally proud Ambassador Ilau revealed this link when introducing Mr Sungi to the Indonesian and PNG Inter Government Border Agencies officers prior to Mr Sungi giving the opening statement for the 30^th Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting. And I can tell you, there was a sense of pride hovering in the conference room at Hotel Salat when the surprised officers from both countries applauded and clapped in joy when learning about the link.

 

Indonesian and PNG Border Agency Officers attending the 30^th Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting in Hotel Salat, Bogor city, Indonesia

 

The annual JBC meeting was to discuss issues about managing the rugged 800km PNG-Indonesian border that runs through mountainous and swampy terrains from Sandaun Province in the north to the Western Province in the south. The Sandaun and Western Provinces borders with the West Papua Province of Indonesia.

 

PNG-Indonesian Border at Torasi River, Western Province.

An equally impressed with Mr Sungi were also the rest of the first timers PNG Delegation who visited Bogor for a week during last month’s JBC meeting.

 

Border Development Authority (BDA) Operations Director Barnabas Neausemale and Fly River Provincial Government Works Division Advisor  admiring the street pasar ayam ( traditional market)  in Bogor city, Indonesia

 

Although the arrangement to bring oil palm seeds is not known yet, all I’m aware is that Indonesian colonizers (Dutch government) had set up professional agricultural laboratories and, colleges in Bogor to develop agricultural industries. So the World Bank might have been impressed about Bogor’s agricultural research institutions and decided to bring oil palm seeds from there.

 

 Oil palm nursery in West New Britain Province. Pic courtesy of PNG Oil Palm Industry

 

Yes Bogor (in land area is much smaller than Port Moresby )has its own challenges of high rates of poverty, housing, unemployment, inaccessibility to basic social services like health, education. These challenges are caused by the inflow of poor residents of the surrounding rural areas (PNG’s urban centers faces similar challenges). But there‘s always respect for everyone and the environment. You can work alone in the night or even in the Buildings back alleys    or crowded markets without being harassed.

 

 

Back street alley of a Housing estate in Bogor city, Indonesia

Despite a good road network system, Traffic jams are also a problem. But there is always tolerance when a car, motor scooter or Becak (bicycle cart for a maximum of two passengers) tries to cross the traffic. We were also been told that despite the traffic jams, there is no accidents.

 

Overcrowded street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia

 

This overcrowded city (much crowded than Port Moresby) depends heavily on the Informal economical sector where there is a huge selling of goods and providing of services on the streets outside public places like hotels and in shopping centers. But there is hardly any rubbish on the streets even though there is also the selling and chewing of betel nuts.

Street kitchen along the street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia.

And transportation is not a problem where taxis and Becak are always available at a cheap rate.

Fly River Provincial Government border Liaison Officer Richard Aria getting a lift in a Becak in Bogor city, Indonesia.

Land outside  of the city are all occupied in agricultural activities like fish farming, cultivation of rice and  various vegetables like  corn ,  sweet potatos and the production of livestocks like cows,sheeps with poultry projects like chickens and ducks.

 

Butcher selling ayan (chicken) pieces at the street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia.

 

Meat (Daging) stalls at the street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia

 

Selling live ikan (fish) at the street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia

People were friendly with the PNG delegations although communication in Bahasa and English is a problem. But there is always an understanding of each other needs. Whether one wants transport to go to the major shopping centers, or buy fruits at the market or snacks from the street vendors, the residences are always ready to help.

 

Street kitchen along the street pasar ayam ( traditional market)  in Bogor city, Indonesia

And my goodness, the hotels are unbelievably so cheap compared to PNG standard. The six floor    Efita Hotel that some of the PNG delegates stayed in was only K70 per night (Rupiahs 278,000). It has free continental breakfast and has all the facilities like a premiere hotel in PNG. In PNG a hotel like that can go for about K200 per night.

Efita Hotel

Efita hotel is located alongside an overcrowded street pasar aiyam (traditional market) area and it truly provided a home away of home   environment to us.  Various Fruits and vegetables, poultry, beef, fish (even live fish) are sold here in abundance and at an unbelievable cheaper price. Fish goes for Rupiahs 5,000 (K1.25) per kg, chicken pieces for Rupiahs 30,000 (K7.50) per kg, vegetables Rupiahs 3000 (75 toea) per kg.

 

Vegetable stalls at the street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia.

There is also a train station close by where you can get a train ride to Jakarta.

 

Intercity train rushing through Bogor to Jakarta

 

Yes PNG especially Port Moresby (compared to Bogor has smaller population and large spacious land area )is going through some tough changes like reforming  its informal sector like betel nuts sales banning in public places ,  re-scoping its current public transport system and road network.

Commuters rushing through the early morning overcrowded street pasar ayam (traditional market) in Bogor city, Indonesia.

Bogor is a model city where their informal sector, public transport and road network systems can easily be adapted to transform Port Moresby and other major PNG urban centers.

 

A police man hurrying residences across the rail way intersection before the intercity train rush through near the traditional market in Bogor city, Indonesia

 

There is no doubt that PNG can still benefit from the city that gave us oil palm.

 

Indonesian Ambassodor to PNG Andreas Sitepu and PNG Ambassodor to Indonesia Commodore (retired) Peter Ilau belting out hit songs during the official 30th JBC closing dinner at Hotel Salat in Bogor city, Indonesia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crossing rivers and jungle

VAST virgin rainforests and mountain Rivers form the basis of life in the north Mekeo area of Central province.

It is in a remote location within the Kairuku district http://www.kairukuhiri.gov.pg/ with a population of about 8,000 people and is situated beneath Mt Yule along the Owen Stanley Range.

A canoe lying idle in the Akaifu River at Apainapi village

North Mekeo borders with the mountainous Goilala District and are the main mustard (eaten with betel nut and lime) suppliers in Port Moresby and Central province.
When jungle land is cleared for gardening, a section of the land is taken up by rows of the mustard plant while bananas, and kumu (greens) make up the rest, where man hasn’t stamp his mark wild pigs, wallabies and cassowaries go about their lives.

Passengers loading up the canoe at Apainapi village for villages up the River with containers of kerozines , zoom petrol fuel and house hold items bought in Port Moresby from the sales of mustards. The opeartor (left) is collecting fares.

As wild animals, reptiles and other ground creatures inhabit the land, Birds of Paradise, parrots, cockatoos and flying foxes soar well into the skies. Schools of various river fish, prawns, lobsters and other marine life inhabit the numerous rivers and streams that form the Akaifa River.
To take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city life I ventured into this remote area for five days with my friend Richard Kange.

Upriver villagers waiting at Apainapi village with mustard parcels for a Port Moresby bound pasenger truck to sell .

Mr Kange who is a local from Ioi village and I got on a passenger truck in Port Moresby last week loaded with bags of rice, flour, sugar and other store goods for the 200km trip to Apanaipi village.
Containers and drums of kerosene and zoom were also piled onto the truck for the trip. The villagers had bought these items after selling their mustards in Port Moresby.
After a dusty three hour trip we arrived at Apanaipi where we then got on a loaded motorized dugout canoe and traveled for another three hours to Maipa village.
The trip up the 50 meter wide brownish river was no joke, either. A slight hitch and it will be everyone for himself.

Passengers on the motorsied canoe along the Akaifu River bound for Ioi village.

Among the passengers were women and children who we had traveled together from Port Moresby on the truck.
However, the canoe operator was an expert along these parts and avoided all the tree stumps and other obstacles that littered the River.
As it was a busy river and main route for villagers living along the banks, we past non motorized canoes loaded with garden food and people returning from their gardens situated away from the banks.
As the motorized canoe got closer to Maipa, the river flow became faster as the banks became narrower.

Young girls helping their mothers taking the dirty dishes to the river to be washed at Maipa village

About 50 meters from the village the canoe stopped and every one disembark for the walk home as the River had become shallow.
Only our cargoes remain on the canoe which was pushed along the river toward the village.
It was about 5pm when we arrived at the village, home to about 500 people.
Retrieving our bags, Richard and I walked to the Ngope (Richard’s friend) family’s house.
Although they were unprepared for us, they made us comfortable as best as they could by sharing their normal evening meal of boiled bananas, creamed rice with hot black tea.

Elders on the village chief's platform at Maipa village

It was nightfall when we strolled down to the River and had our bath and return to sell under mosquito nets. The next day (2nd day) we toured the village to see the villagers’ daily activities.
The following day (3rd day) at about 9am, we walked for an hour through a muddy bush track passing food gardens and crossed two icy cold streams to Ioi village.
While relieved to see Richard, his family again was surprised to have me there as they were unprepared to have a visitor. However they made me feel at home and took me once again on a tour of their village. I also swam in one of the crystal clear creek to soak up the cool waters as I do not have that opportunity back in the city.

A child helping his father stack parcels of mustards at Maipa vilage under their house to sell in Port Moresby.

That creek is also a tributary of the main Akaifu River. That evening we had freshly smoked wild pork meat with boiled bananas and black hot tea.
The next day (4th day) also about 9am after a breakfast of boiled bananas we left Ioi village and head south for Inauwani village situated along the Angabanga River.
This was the most grueling trip for me as we once again slugged through mud for six hours. Although grueling, it was bearable as the slugging was along flat land.

Maipa villagers in front of a classroom at their Top Up Primary school. The empty gas cylinder is the school's bell.

There were no villages or gardens along this track but thick jungle made up of various vines, ferns and towering trees. These tress with thick branches also blocked out strong sun light to make the walking bearable.
Along the way had to cross the Inaugavanag, Vangama, Vavaunge and the Ma’avunga Rivers along the way.

Ioi village lass Anna Fiabia sorting out her newly harvested mustrads for sale in Port Moresby . This heap will fetch her over K800.

These Rivers are also the tributaries to the main Akaifa River.
The Inaugavanag and Vangama proved dangerous to cross. The Inaugavanag about 30meters wide and over a meter deep was fast flowing.

Parceling the mustards

I almost lost my footing when crossing it (Inaugavanag) with my bag hoisted above my head and water level at my stomach (I’m 172cm tall). But directions from Richard helped me through to the other side.
On both sides of the Vangama River, Richard warned me to follow his footstep. A slight deviation will see me sink into puddles of quicksand.

Villagers at Ioi village with loaded bags of garden food and mustard parcels on a motorised canoe ready for about a three hours trip down to Apainapi village.

After an endless walk with my bag cutting into my shoulders and leg muscles aching, we arrived at another of Richard’s friend Charlie Au’Au’s house at Inauwani at around 4pm.
After a refreshing bath in the Angabanga River, I again had some boiled bananas with hot black tea and went straight to bed net due to the tiring trip.
Next day (final day) after a tour of the village, Richard and I got on a passenger truck at about 2pm and return back to Port Moresby.

Richard wading through one of those numerous bush creek enroute to Inawani village.

When entering the city limits after about three hours drive, I began to realize that I miss the North Mekeo people’s hospitality of sharing their available resources with visitor. Even at a sudden notice.
Such hospitality is rarely experienced among the city residences

.

The Pacific Way

The Pacific Adventist University(PAU) outside Port Moresby erupted in to displays of exciting and colorful traditional cultural dances, food and drama during their Open day last Sunday (31/08/09).
And you Samoans, Tongans, Kiribatis, Solomon Islanders, Vanuatus and Fijians can identify your wantoks hotly dancing away ha ha ha.

Kiribati students swaying to their traditional beat

The Pacific Island students relaxed from their busy academic studies to ensure that the crowd received the similar scenario and excitement that was displayed and felt at the 10th South Pacific Festival of Arts held in Pago Pago American Samoa in July.
The dynamic students displayed their respective unique dances and drama to depict legends of their daily traditional livelihoods before non Pacific Islanders arrived on their isolated white sandy shores and tropical rain forest islands.



Samoan students displaying their traditional dance

Their performances truly expressed their rich traditional Melanesian, Polynesian and Micronesian political, economical and social activities before the Westminster Government system superseded their traditional activities.


The displaying of their cooked traditional food also expressed their love of preparing various dishes from nutritious garden food like, sago, taro, yams, bananas, pumpkins and greens like aibika and cabbages. A string band by Vanuatu students performing for the girls to dance

These tasty dishes were also prepared with land and marine proteins prefered by the Adventist church faithfulls.


A Vanuatu traditional dish comprising of mumu chicken and taro that was quickly eaten by the hungry crowd

Apart from the dances and food, the Tongans apart from dancing also performed a moving and well expressed drama depicting how the kava and sugar cane plants originated in their island

Vanuatu girls dancing to the beat of their boys' string bag

Southern region students of PNG performing a traditional dance from the Kiwai area in the Western Province

Island region students from PNG performing a traditional dances from the Manus Province
The Fijian students performing their traditional dance

Solomon Island girls putting heart and soul to the beat of their traditional music

Tongan students swaying to the beat of their traditional music

Apart from displaying their cultures, the Open day was held to show the public what educational programs and facilities were offered at PAU.

For more information about programs and activities offered at PAU please access http://www.pau.ac.pg/.