PNG pushes to open Yetetkun border for El Nino relief

Western Province is pushing for the opening of the Yetetkun border to allow food supplies into drought-affected communities in North and Middle Fly.

This was highlighted during a high-level border inspection last Friday at Yetetkun, on the PNG-Indonesia border.

A delegation comprising of OTML and CIQS representatives from Port Moresby, led by Head of Delegation, Foreign Affairs Acting Director General for Asia Region, Mr Samson Yabon, flew from Port Moresby to Merauke and travelled by road to Yetetkun.

The team was hosted by Indonesian Consul General in Vanimo, Mr Tangkuman Alexander.

Western Provincial Administrator Robert Kaiyun travelled from Kiunga, crossing the Alice River to join the meeting.

Mr Kaiyun reaffirmed the province's support to open the border and called for an Indonesian Consulate to be established in Kiunga to strengthen ties.

He said improved road access must support the El Niño response, particularly delivery of basic food supplies.

Meanwhile, DPLLGA Director for Border Affairs Jacqueline Winuan announced that registration for Traditional Border Crosser Cards will begin in Ambaga and surrounding villages within the next two weeks to support legitimate trade and movement.

Supporting the Provincial Administrator were representatives from DPLLGA, PNGDF, the North Fly Police Command, Provincial Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) agencies, and senior officers of the Western Provincial Administration.