22 April, 2014

PNG Border tension

Tension remains high along the PNG / Indonesia border following an attack by pro-independence OPM guerrillas from West Papua on an Indonesian border post. The Indonesian military regularly make border incursions into PNG territory, frightening border villages and West Papuan refugees. Both the PNG Defence Force and more Indonesian troops have been mobilised to the border and now face each other, trying to diffuse the situation and deny the OPM sanctuary. This is all happening just as the US Pacific Command Commander, Admiral Locklear is in Port Moresby to ink an new defence agreement with PNG which will see the US military train PNGDF troops and pre-position material. It could also involve the stationing of US troops. For more see this tv report from PNG’s Em TV news.

This article was written by

Ben Bohane

Ben is a photojournalist and television producer with over 20 years experience in the Pacific. He has worked for many of the world’s major news organisations and joined PiPP as Communications Director. He has a Masters Degree in Melanesian religion and conflict. More background on Ben can be found via www.wakaphotos.com

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