Madang launches second Balangut canoe

The Madang Provincial Events Committee has launched the second Balangut, a traditional canoe that was used by the Bel people for barter trading in the 1800s and early 1900s.

The canoe, named Spirit of Survival, was launched at Bilbil Village by the committee's chairman Siegfried Beschel and Acting Provincial Administrator, Daniel Aloi on Sunday.

The first Balangut, named Dibor Pain, was launched last Saturday, also by Mr Beschel at Riwo Village.

The two canoes are recreations of the original Balangut canoes that were used specifically for barter trading by the local Bel people.

Mr Beschel, during the launch of both canoes, stressed the importance of keeping and promoting Madang's culture and identity.

He said, "It's the dream of the government and Governor of Madang that we promote the culture and identity of Madang."

Mr Beschel told the people of Bilbil that although Governor Ramsey Pariwa was not with them for the launching on Sunday, he will be with them on Saturday when the two Balanguts are brought into town for the official launch.

The Balangut or 'lolong' were traditional canoes that were used by the people of Bilbil and Riwo in the early days to trade claypots with the people of Raikos and other coastal islands and villages.

Madang's Acting Provincial Administrator, Daniel Aloi; thanked the Bilbil community for their participation in the preparatory works for the country's 50th Independence Anniversary, especially in building the Balangut.

"Bilbil's history lies in claypots, like the Karkar people; their story is in the Karkar bilum. The story of the Balangut is still not popular. Balangut is a story on its own that must be promoted. Balangut must be an institution of its own," Mr Aloi said.

On behalf of Governor Pariwa, Mr Aloi confirmed that it was difficult getting the Independence preparations in place until Mr Beschel's appointment by the Provincial Executive Council, and he thanked him for his leadership in setting the stage for the celebrations.

The two Balanguts are set to sail into town on Saturday this week, where they will be officially launched.