The three-day Karkar Saungapein Bilum Festival, held at Kavailo village on Karkar Island in Madang Province, concluded successfully over the last October weekend.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Belden Namah and Sumkar MP Alexander Suguman attended the festival’s opening ceremony last Thursday, witnessing this fourth annual bilum festival on Karkar.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) National Women’s Coordinator, Dawa Kale, explained that the Karkar Saungapein Bilum Festival aligns with the ELCPNG women’s six-pillar programme. She described the six pillars as a holistic development programme that empowers women to enhance their skills, value their worth, and realise their potential to create sustainable initiatives for their ELCPNG districts, the church, women’s ministry, and their families.
Ms Kale stated that the festival falls under the economic pillar, where women utilised their bilum-making skills to produce traditional Karkar bilums and sell them throughout the festival.
“It is through this economic pillar that women identify local resources, apply their skills, and present these outstanding, colourful, and attractive Karkar bilums for sale to support their financial needs,” she said.
“I am very happy that this festival also embodies our social pillar, bringing together representatives from the national government, like Minister Namah and MP Suguman, as well as delegates, members from six ELC Karkar districts, and the national church to celebrate together.”
Ms Kale noted that almost all pillars were represented at the festival and expressed satisfaction with the participation of everyone involved, highlighting the unveiling of a very large Karkar bilum as a key moment.
Vanimo-Green MP and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Namah, shared his appreciation for the efforts of the Karkar community in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage, including the significance of Karkar bilum-making.
Minister Namah noted that the Karkar Saungapein Bilum Festival is registered under the National Cultural Commission, adding,
“It’s inspiring to see women leading this festival, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of Karkar.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining cultural authenticity, saying,
“Cultural practices should remain indigenous, meaning that all dancers should wear traditional attire without modern additions.”
“Tourism is a pot of gold, and I am happy to see you promoting your culture. In the future, we can arrange for tourists to visit this festival, but it is essential to prepare with arts, crafts, and traditional dances, and change your mindset,” he added.
Minister Namah committed K300,000 in support of the festival.
The organising committee received K60,000 in financial assistance during the festival. Minister Namah contributed K10,000, Sumkar MP Suguman provided K20,000, and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop supported with an additional K30,000.
Festival organising committee Deputy Chairman Biti Taur expressed satisfaction with the event and gratitude for the financial support received. Mr Taur noted that the funds would help offset their debts, adding that they aim to improve the festival in the coming years. The festival includes the participation of women from the six circuits of Bagabag, Bumsol, Samoan, Tagup, Kulubob, and Bagia.
