Traditional leaders from Navuapaka and surrounding pipeline communities in Kairuku District have petitioned Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Namea Isoaimo, seeking Government-facilitated talks over concerns relating to the Papua LNG Project.

The petition calls on the Minister to help arrange discussions with the State Negotiation Team (SNT), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Papua LNG project developers to address issues the community says are affecting its customary rights and way of life.

Community leaders say the project has had social, cultural and customary impacts on pipeline communities, including concerns over traditional identity, communal fishing grounds, customary land and marine rights, clan structures, the authority of traditional leaders and family cohesion.

They are requesting an immediate meeting with relevant government agencies and project stakeholders to present their concerns, seek clarification on matters affecting customary ownership and marine resources, and advocate for a comprehensive assessment of the project's impacts on affected communities.

The petition was signed by Paramount Chief Abraham Hare of the Pare Kupuna Clan, Chief James I. Paru of the Kurupukina Sub-clan, Chief Kamila Paruahi of the Kivori Clan, Gabriel Oahenea, John Paruoa and representatives of the Horopaka Sub-clan.

Responding to the petition, Minister Isoaimo acknowledged the concerns raised and said he would continue advocating for the interests of Kairuku communities as Papua LNG progresses.

He also reflected on the district's exclusion from benefit-sharing arrangements associated with the PNG LNG Project, saying many communities along the Kairuku Coast missed out during negotiations held in 2009.

"As we approach a new era of development, I want to apologies to the people of Kairuku LLG and the Kairuku Coast as a whole for missing out on the PNG LNG benefits," he said.

The Minister explained that he was not the Member for Kairuku when the PNG LNG Development Forum negotiations took place.

"In 2009, I was representing the Hiri Local Level Government area and was not the Member for Kairuku. The negotiations that determined benefit-sharing arrangements took place at that time, and unfortunately Kairuku was not adequately represented.

Looking ahead, Mr. Isoaimo said the Government was determined to ensure that communities with legitimate interests in the Papua LNG Project are properly represented during ongoing negotiations.

"With Papua LNG, I want to assure our people that we are working to ensure the benefits flow to those who are rightfully entitled to them and that the voices of Kairuku communities are heard throughout the process," he said.

He said the issues raised in the petition would form part of ongoing discussions with relevant government agencies and project stakeholders, adding that meaningful engagement with customary landowners remains essential to the successful development of the project.

The petition underscores growing calls from affected communities for greater consultation and transparency as Papua LNG moves towards its next stage of development.

Community leaders said they hope constructive dialogue between landowners, government and developers will result in fair benefit-sharing arrangements while protecting customary ownership, traditional values and the long-term interests of future generations.