For remote communities in Papua New Guinea, a high-frequency (HF) radio system is more than just a communication tool, it serves as a lifeline, connecting people to vital services, medical attention, and hope in times of desperate need.
Story by Kowara Bell
Across the vast floodplains, winding rivers and lake systems of Papua New Guinea’s Western region/Western Province, remote communities remain isolated without road access. Here, a single HF radio call can mean the difference between waiting helplessly and receiving timely assistance - from flight bookings to emergency medical evacuations.
Reflecting this reality, 36-year-old, Isaac Yuma from Hewa village, an isolated community in PNG’s Highlands Region, shared the challenges faced by many remote communities across the country.
“HF radio remains our best means of communication. during emergencies, especially when we need a medical evacuation, it's the only reliable way to call for help,” Isaac said.
With no road access, many isolated communities are cut off from the outside world, relying on MAF aircraft for transport and HF radio as their only reliable means of communication.
“We do have mobile network in some areas but reaching a signal means walking for hours to a mountain peak, is often like going on a hunting trip, spending hours in the bush just to make one phone call to request for a flight,” he said.
He added that for the people of Hewa, reaching the nearest town of Wabag takes five to seven days on foot, while travelling to their provincial town of Wewak can take nearly two weeks.
“That's the reality of living in a community situated between two provinces, making reliable communication through the HF radio essential,” Isaac said.
With the support of the Australian Government and to ensure communities continue accessing this vital connection, MAF Technologies’ team relocated the HF radio system from its original installation site to the newly constructed MAF hangar in Balimo, enabling staff to better monitor radio calls from remote communities of Western Province.
With a population of more than 360,000, Western Province is home to many communities where air transport is often the only practical way to access essential services. Many depend on MAF’s Cessna Caravan aircraft for healthcare, emergency assistance, and other vital services.
Simon Wakili, MAF’s Balimo Base Manager, said the relocation of the HF radio was significant.
“When we need to contact places like Hawaii Falls or Tumu River for security updates or weather information, the HF radio is the right tool, it allows us to communicate with communities beyond mobile phone coverage,” Simon said.
“It’s also very important for our operations. We can communicate with pilots, receive calls from remote airstrips, and reach communities in areas without phone networks. Without the HF radio, isolated communities would be cut off from us.”
