Port Moresby, 22 March 2025 — A powerful new song titled “Lukautim Graun” has been released to raise awareness about the importance of protecting customary land in Papua New Guinea. This collaboration between Starbox Production and community advocacy group Act Now! aims to promote respect for PNG’s unique land tenure system and its crucial role in sustaining communities.
Act Now!, known for its strong stance against Land Registration and in defense of customary land rights, partnered with Starbox to produce this culturally resonant anthem. Starbox Band Manager Willie Sarenga expressed pride in the collaboration, emphasizing music’s ability to inspire understanding and positive change.
“Music has the power, if utilized well, to create better awareness and hopefully foster positive changes in our communities,” Sarenga said. “We are humbled to work with Act Now! to deliver this important message.”
Customary land remains a cornerstone of PNG’s social and economic fabric. It is estimated that 97% of PNG’s land is under customary tenure, with 85% of the population relying on it for their livelihoods, food, shelter, and cultural identity. Act Now! advocates that customary land supports sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, community control, and good governance—making it the nation’s most valuable asset.
The song also highlights the stark contrast between PNG’s customary land system and Western concepts of land ownership. Unlike Western models where land is viewed primarily as a tradable economic commodity with defined boundaries, PNG’s customary land is communally owned, managed through traditional governance, and deeply tied to identity and heritage.
“In the West, land ownership is individualistic and subject to national laws and courts, but here in PNG, land is managed by our customs, passed down through generations, and forms the basis of our communities,” explained Sarenga.
As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th independence anniversary this year, “Lukautim Graun” serves as a timely reminder for all citizens to reflect on their role as custodians of the land. The song urges a renewed focus on managing natural resources wisely for both current and future generations.
Sarenga concluded, “We look forward to more initiatives like this to promote vital messages that strengthen our identity and protect our most important national asset.”