It's ongoing in both PNG and the Northern Territory (Australia).

  Northern Territory Police are investigating a series of disturbances in Ngukurr after a 14-year-old boy was speared in the back on Saturday afternoon.

  Police respond to armed disturbance in Wadeye involving up to 100 people, bows, spears

Going back to the 1970s and 80s: Kiaps, known formally as district officers and patrol officers, were travelling representatives of the British and Australian governments

Kiap Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FK5N_ObFeQ

Maybe they are using traditional weapons for a completely different reason, but I'm reminded of why India and China have their soldiers on the disputed border carry poles and clubs. It looks old school, but it prevents clashes from turning into a larger shooting war where everyone's getting killed.