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| PGN dan West Papua |
February 20, 2014 - Kokoda is a world famous trail in Papua New Guinea
where Papuans fought alongside Australians to help to liberate New
Guinea from Japanese control during the Second World War as they did
throughout New Guinea. The so called “Fuzzy Wuzzy” angels were Papuans
who flocked to help the struggling Australian soldiers, acting as guides
and stretcher bearers. They helped to save countless Australian lives
during the war and are held in high regard by most Australians today.
Papuans died defending the freedom of Australians. Now is a chance
for Australians and anyone who wants to, to walk for the freedom of
Papuans!
The Walk for Freedom – Kokoda Trail is
a new initiative, started this year to raise awareness and support for
the people of West Papua who are still suffering under military occupation.
Barbecue Fundraiser
There will be a barbecue fundraiser this weekend on 23rd February at the Ela Beach Amphitheatre, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to launch the project and inform the general
public on what West Papua has had to endure since the Illegal
annexation by Indonesia in 1962. There will be a sausage sizzle and
drinks on sale. The Free West Papua Campaign-PNG Chapter will also be
informing the public and disseminating information on Facts to Know
about West Papua
Media Release
Please have a look at the Walk to Freedom Kokoda Trail
official media release here, provided to us to share with all those
interested with joining and supporting this great new project.
MEDIA RELEASE
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| Christmas Day, 1942. An Australian soldier, George “Dick” Whittington, is aided by Papuan orderly Raphael Oimbari, at the Battle of Buna-Gona. Picture by George Silk |
Since the end of the Second World War
in Papua New Guinea, the Kokoda Track has served as a symbol of the
hard-fought freedoms that are enjoyed by present generations of Papua
New Guineans. When the Australian forces and their Papua New Guinean
counterparts successfully stalled the Japanese Imperial Army march on
Port Moresby during the Battle of Kokoda, this liberating feat allowed
for the emergent Melanesian state of Papua New Guinea to craft its
national myths. The Kokoda Track is a testament to sacrifice and
struggle.
The celebration of freedom is however an elusive reality for
Melanesians on the western half of the island of New Guinea. The
freedoms and the liberties that Papua New Guinea enjoys are not evident
in West Papua. West Papuans have become minorities on their own land as a
result of repressive policies instituted by the Republic of Indonesia.
The Walk for Freedom is an act of solidarity to restore the dignity of
our peoples in West Papua.
The Walk for Freedom activity that is presently organized by Ms.
Eileen Marai, in partnership with the Kokoda Ultimate Tours and the Free
West Papua Campaign will coincide with the ANZAC celebrations. The Walk
for Freedom will happen from the 18th to the 26th of April, 2014. The
primary objective of the Walk for Freedom is to raise the profile of the
continued struggle for freedom and independence by Melanesians in West
Papua.
Interested participants are cordially invited to participate in The
Walk for Freedom along the Kokoda Trail. The Kokoda Ultimate Tours group
– a locally owned tour company
have availed their services. At a fee of K2000 per person, the Kokoda
Ultimate Tours will cater the participants in this Walk for Freedom.
The Walk for Freedom will be from Owen’s Corner to Kokoda and on to
Popondetta. If you are willing to assist this awareness drive
financially, a bank account with Westpac, Boroko has been created for
this purpose.
Account Name: Eileen Marai
Account Number: 6003820962
Branch: Westpac, Boroko, NCD, PNG
Account Number: 6003820962
Branch: Westpac, Boroko, NCD, PNG
All pledges and donations will be accounted for and acknowledged
during and after the Walk for Freedom. Participants are expected to
fulfil the K2000 fee by the 20th of March 2014. A record participants
completing Trekking Fee will be kept.
The breakdown in the expenses for the Trekking Fee will cover:
Personal Porter and Food for the entire trek, Transport to Owen’s
Corner, Trail Permit from Kokoda Trail Authority, Accommodation in
Kokoda and Airfares back to Port Moresby.
Walk together one more, for a FREE WEST PAPUA!
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| The Kokoda trail is set in a dramatic landscape in Southern Papua New Guinea where Australian soldiers fought alongside Papuans to liberate New Guinea during the second world war |
By. http: www.freewestpapua.org
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