BOUGAINVILLE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH ITS INDEPENDENCE PLAN

REGIONAL POLITICS

 

21/01/2026

Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] President Ismael Torama has made it clear recently that Bougainville will move forward with its independence plan, even if the PNG Parliament rejects the 2019 referendum result.

The president was speaking bluntly in video recorded during the passage of its annual budget.

His strong stance on getting independence for his people immediately reflects the frustration among Bougainvilleans. This must not be taken lightly by the Papua New Guinea's National Government with its relevant ministries, including the parliamentary bodies. It is not a threat but composed of possibilities.

The statement itself reflects elements of possibilites in light of regional diplomatic 'cold war' before us.

To PNG, the island has an autonomous government but still part of its territorial integrity. To the world, the ABG is invited directly by overseas governments to attend events, forums and meetings. Donors partners are on the ground developing the island in collaboration with the local leadership layers.

We do not want anymore wars - we have had enough. Wars are definitely not the panacea to their aspirations. Everyone wants a peaceful journey, determining the political future of the island.

We have a vehicle Joint Supervisory Body [JSB] through the Melanesian Partnership Agreement between the two parties. It drives views of each party in mutual and peaceful means.

What is required urgently is an open and honest discussion based on reality, not emotion, pride, or intense political pressure.

Independence does not have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Around the world, there are workable models where regions control their own affairs while keeping some links with the main country.

Examples include Guam and Puerto Rico under the United States, Greenland under Denmark, Hong Kong under China, and the United Kingdom's devolved system. These models show that strong self-rule can exist without a total break-down.

A smart option for Bougainville would be to push for full control of their resource, revenue laws, and local governance, while PNG carries old national responsibilities. Bougainville could also use easy access to PNG markets to grow jobs and income.

For PNG, such arrangements could protect stability, reduce financial risks, and keep economic ties alive.

The real problem is not lack of choice, but lack of fresh thinking. Honest dialogue and practical solutions are now more than ever.

ABG GETS INDEPENDENCE ON SEPTEMBER 1ST 2027

REGIONAL NEWS 

20/01/2027

President Ismael Toroama confirms 1st September 2027 as the target for independence. 

Autonomous Region of Bougainville [ABG] President Ismael Torama has pledged publicly that he will declare independence for Bougainville on the 1st of September 2027. In saying that the president has drawn out an obvious timetable for the region's transition to full sovereignty from Papua New Guinea.

The bold declaration was made by the president during an address to public servants at Hutjena United Church yesterday during their Dedication Mass for the year 2026.

Read The Full Article Here: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/president-ismael-toroama-confirms-1st-september-2027-as-the-target-for-independence-urging-public-servants-to-accelerate-preparations/

ANCIENT DNA SHOWS HOW PASIFIKA CARRIED PIGS ACROSS THE OCEAN

“A major genetic study has revealed how Pacific people helped move pigs across the ocean for thousands of years, shaping island life, culture, and ecosystems from Southeast Asia to Polynesia.

The study, published in the journal Science, looked at the DNA of more than 700 pigs, including living animals and archaeological remains.

By comparing their genomes, researchers were able to track where pigs came from, when they arrived on different islands, and how they mixed with local pig species.

The research was led by Professor Laurent Frantz from Queen Mary University of London and Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Dr David Stanton from Cardiff University, and Professor Greger Larson from the University of Oxford.

Scientists from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vanuatu were also part of the team.

For a long time, scientists believed many animals could not cross a major natural divide known as the Wallace Line, which separates Asian wildlife from Australasian species.

While animals such as monkeys and leopards remained on the Asian side, pigs were found on both sides of the boundary.

The new study shows this did not happen naturally. Instead, people carried pigs with them as they travelled and settled across islands.

Early Pacific journeys

The earliest movements may have happened as far back as 50,000 years ago when people living in Sulawesi, known for some of the world's oldest cave art, moved warty pigs to nearby islands such as Timor.

The pigs may have been taken along to provide food for future hunting. Around 4000 years ago, pig movements increased quickly as early farming communities expanded into the Pacific.

From a Polynesian archaeology perspective, the findings support long-held knowledge that Pacific voyagers travelled with food systems, not just people, and that pigs reflect careful planning and adaptation as communities settled new islands.

Researchers say these journeys started from Taiwan, moved through the Philippines and eastern Indonesia, and continued into Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and remote Polynesia.

Researchers at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre say pigs hold deep cultural value there and were intentionally brought by ancestors than arriving by chance as invasive animals.

Stanton, the lead author, says the research shows how human movement across the Pacific reshaped animal populations over time.

"This research reveals what happens when people transport animals enormous distances, across one of the world's most fundamental natural boundaries," he says. "These movements led to pigs with a melting pot of ancestries."

Mixing with local species

The study also found that many pigs escaped or were released and became wild.

In some places like the Komodo Islands, pigs introduced in different periods interbred. These hybrid pigs are now an important food source for the endangered Komodo dragon.

European pigs were also introduced during the colonial period, adding another layer to the region's complex history.

Larson says pigs were ready to spread once people helped them reach new islands. "When people have lent a hand, pigs were all too willing to spread out on newly colonised islands in South East Asia and into the Pacific," he says.

"By sequencing the genomes of ancient and more recent populations, we've been able to link those movements to specific human populations in both space and time."

Big questions for Pacific conservation

The findings raise difficult questions for conservation. Today, pigs are seen very differently across the Pacific.

In some places, they are sacred, spiritually important or central to culture. In others, they are pests, while in some islands, pigs have been present for so long that they are treated almost as native species.

Pacific scholars say the findings question Western ideas of what is considered "native", showing that animals present for thousands of years are now part of Pacific landscapes and history.

Frantz says the research helps uncover layers of human activity across the region and challenges simple conservation labels.

"It is very exciting that we can use ancient DNA from pigs to peel back layers of human activity across this megabiodiverse region," he says.

"The big question now is, at what point do we consider something native? What if people introduced species tens of thousands of years ago? Are these worth conservation efforts?"

Pacific conservation practitioners say pigs highlight ongoing challenges in the region, where their cultural importance must be balanced against real environmental damage.

The researchers say future conservation efforts in the Pacific will need to respect culture, history, and community knowledge instead of relying only on traditional definitions of "native and invasive species.”

SOURCE: RNZ STATIONS

 IMAGE: RNZ STATIONS; Kavaforums

#LivinginVanuatuNews #LivinginVanuatu

Buku “Metode Pengembangan Teori Antropologi”, upaya mendorong produksi ilmu pengetahuan

 January 12, 2026 in Mamta

Reading Time: 3 mins

Penulis: Larius Kogoya - Editor: Arjuna

Jayapura, Jubi – Antropolog Universitas Cenderawasih atau Uncen Jayapura, Papua, Ibrahim Peyon, S.Sos., M.Si., Ph.D mengatakan buku yang tulisnya dengan judul “Metode Pengembangan Teori Antropologi” merupakan upaya mendorong produksi teori-teori baru dan ilmu pengetahuan di Papua.

Ia mengatakan, buku setebal 420 halaman itu tidak sebatas pada teori antropologi. Namu bisa lebih luas menjadi acuan untuk ilmu-ilmu sosial dan hal terkait lainnya.

Katanya, buku ini hadir ketika ia dipercayakan mengampu tiga mata kuliah yaitu teori antropologi klasik, teori antropologi kontemporer, dan antropologi epistemologi. Tiga mata kuliah ini menjadi bagian dari mata kuliah pokok antropologi.

“Karena kepercayaan itu, selama saya mengajar Strata Satu (S1) maupun Strata Dua (S2), saya ada ketemu satu celah pengetahuan. Celah pengetahuan itu adalah banyak orang berbicara tentang metodologi, bahkan banyak sumber buku, banyak sekali, ada juga banyak bicara tentang teori. Tapi setelah saya mempelajari mendalami sembari dengan mengajar mahasiswa S1 dan S2 itu ada celah besar yang saya ketemu di situ,” kata Peyon kepada Jubi saat wawancara di Aula FISIP Uncen, di Kota Jayapura, Papua, Jumat (9/1/2026).

Menurut Ibrahim, celah yang ia temukan dimana para ilmuwan itu tidak menjelaskan atau tidak menghubungan antara metodologi dengan teori. Akan tetaapi seolah-olah metodologi terpisah sendiri dari teori.

Mereka tidak menjelaskan bagaimana para ilmuwan itu membangun sebuah teori dari tahap awal hingga tahap-tahap selanjutnya, sampai menghasilkan sebuah  teori itu diuji dan menjadi teori yang mapan.

“Belum pernah ada dalam buku yang menjelaskan itu. Setelah saya menemukan cela ini, saya pikir perlu ada ada buku untuk menulis ini,” ujarnya.

Ibrahim Peyon mengatakan, buku ini hadir untuk mengisi kekosongan itu, tujuannya adalah membantu mahasiswa S2 dan S3. Buku ini diharapkan bisa dapat digunakan oleh mahasiswa S2 maupun mahasiswa S3, untuk mengembangkan disertasi dan penelitian-penelitian. Dapat mengembangkan satu ilmu pengetahuan, dan bisa melahirkan teori-teori baru.

“Tapi kita sendiri tidak bisa memproduksi ilmu pengetahuan, tidak bisa menghasilkan satu teori yang baru. Karena itu buku ini hadir untuk membantu orang Papua maupun yang bukan Papua, untuk mengembangkan diri mereka dan melahirkan teori-teori yang baru,” kata Peyon.

Ibrahim Peyon menjelaskan sekilas isi dari buku yang ditulisnya, yaitu bagian pertama adalah pendahuluan, bagian kedua arah dari ilmu pengetahuan, bagian ketiga bagaimana metode-metode yang bisa digunakan dalam pengembangan teori, bagian keempat berkaitan dengan sintesis atau proses penggabungan data.

“Sebenarnya ada empat belas tahap dalam buku ini. Dari semua bab itu, di bab 14 itu menarik, karena bab itu saya membahas ada empat tema khusus, yaitu pertama epistemologis indigenous people adalah bagaimana ilmu pengetahuan dari masyarakat kampung atau masyarakat adat dikembangkan menjadi teori. Jadi ilmu bukan dari orang lain tetapi ilmu dari masyarakat,” ucapnya.

Dekan Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik (FISIP) Uncen Dr. Marlina Flassy, S.Sos., M.Hum., Ph.D yang membawahi jurusan antropologi mengatakan, selama ini banyak dosen antropologi Uncen yang menghasilkan karya hasil riset dan penelitian tentang antropologi orang Papua.

Ia berharap hasil riset dan penelitian itu dapat digunakan pemerintah pembangunan Papua yang berkelanjutan.

“Supaya bisa ada sumbangan pemikiran atau bersama membangun daerah dengan ide-ide atau gagasan-gagasan oleh para antropolog Uncen,” kata Dr. Marlina Flassy.

Dr. Marlina Flassy juga mengharapkan kedepan jurusan antropologi Uncen lebih banyak melakukan penelitian yang berkaitan dengan persoalan sosial budaya di Tanah Papua.

Katanya, hasil-hasil penelitian itu bisa diseminarkan dengan mengundang pihak pemerintah, swasta, pihak keagamaan, pihak adat dan seluruh pengambil kebijakan yang ada.

“Supaya lewat kajian-kajian itu tidak sebatas riset atau karya penelitian tapi aplikasi tindak lanjut dari hasil penelitian yang dilakukan oleh jurusan antropologi bisa digunakan untuk program pembangunan oleh pemerintah, terutama dalam persoalan Papua ke depan,” ucapnya. (*)

TISA Bank opens Alotau branch, boosting financial access in Milne Bay

 Thursday, 8 January 2026, 3:42 pm

Inside the newly-established TISA Bank branch in Alotau, Milne Bay (image: NBC News / Priscilla Waikadi)

TISA Bank has officially expanded its footprint into Milne Bay Province with the opening of a new branch in Alotau today, improving access to banking and financial services in the region.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Kumar Pokharel said the expansion reflects the bank’s commitment to bringing reliable and accessible banking services closer to the people.

“We are here to serve the people of Milne Bay with honest banking and strong support for your businesses and personal goals,” Pokharel said. “Banking is built on trust, and we are looking to build long-term relationships with the people here.”

Alotau MP Ricky Morris and TISA Bank Chairman Moses Koiri cut ribbon to new branch as Alotau Town Mayor Esmond Basinauro (left-front), TISA Bank CEO Sunil Kumar Pokharel and president of Milne Bay Chamber of Commerce Jeff Abel look on (Image: NBC News / Priscilla Waikadi)

He assured customers that the Alotau branch team will operate with integrity and respect, and will provide guidance to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.

Meanwhile, Alotau Open Member of Parliament welcomed TISA Bank’s entry into the province, describing it as a timely development that supports Alotau’s push towards city status by 2032.

TISA Bank, which began as a credit union for teachers in 1972, has grown into a national financial institution serving more than 90,000 members across the country, with its membership continuing to expand.

The Alotau branch is the third in the country as TISA looks to reach nationwide service.

Left Behind By System: A Qualified PNGan’s Plea for Honest Work and Fair Pay

 

By Henry Wilson Via LinkedIn | 5th Jan, 2026

 

IN 2017, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with good grades. Despite my qualifications, I struggled to find work. While many of my classmates secured jobs through personal connections ("who you know"), I spent a year searching with no success.

 

In 2018, out of necessity, I took a job as a caretaker for a hire car company in Wewak. I managed their fleet for two years, earning K250 per fortnight. In 2019, I moved to work in my uncle’s workshop, performing manual labor for another two years despite it being outside my field of study.

 

The year 2022 brought many trials. I contracted Tuberculosis (TB) and had to return home. During this time, I got married and tried to hustle in the village to survive, but it was very difficult. The greatest blow came when my mother, who was our main support, passed away. Her death left me feeling broken and lost.

 

Before she passed, my mother and my Aunt Catherine encouraged me to apply to the University of Goroka (UOG). I was accepted and eventually graduated in early 2024. I began teaching, attending university during breaks, and working in the classroom during the term.

 

However, I have faced a nightmare with the Education Department: 

• Despite teaching full-time, I have not been put on the payroll.
• I traveled to Port Moresby to fix my salary issues but was blocked from the office. I was pressured into paying bribes totaling approximately K6,000 (including travel costs), yet nothing was resolved.
• My documents have been submitted to the Provincial Salary Officer multiple times, but they continue to be "misplaced."

It is now 2026. I have a wife and a beautiful daughter who was born in February 2025. I want to provide for them, but I am broke and exhausted by a system that relies on bribery and favoritism. I have spent years working without pay and trying to do the right thing, but I am now at my breaking point.

 

I am reaching out to anyone who can help. I am a qualified IT graduate minor in Business management and an experienced teacher. I'm also Good at Driving and other skilled jobs such as mechanic carpenter and others. If you know of a job opening or someone who can help me navigate the salary system without corruption, please help me.

 

Life in PNG is very tough right now, and I just want to work and support my family. I also humbly ask for your prayers as I try to get through this dark time.

 

Your Help will be kindly appreciated

God Bless you all

UNPO's President explains Somaliland's path to statehood at the European Parliament

 On 8 March 2023, the Republic of Somaliland was invited by the MEP and former Catalan president, Carles Puidgemont, to share their path to statehood in a conference entitled "Africa 21st century: Old and new borders, federalism and self-determination.” The event took place at the European Parliament, where several African states discussed their journey in implementing the right to self-determination. Among them, the cases of Somaliland and the Democratic Republic of Congo were introduced and explained to the public.

Edna Adan Ismail, president of Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), former foreign minister and Somaliland special envoy shared the history of the Horn of Africa and the current state of the country through its successes and obstacles. Known as the “Mother of Somaliland”, she was chosen to represent the country due to her long career and her loyal commitment to peace building. Edna Adan has been the most important voice in the fight for Somaliland’s recognition as an independent state.

During her speech, Edna Adna Ismail spoke about Somaliland’s economic, diplomatic, and social advancement, which has allowed the Republic to be known as “the most stable, peaceful and advanced country in the Horn of Africa, despite not being recognized as an independent state by the international community.” The Former foreign minister also pointed out the issues Somaliland is suffering from, due to the lack of international recognition, namely: the confusion between Somaliland and Somalia, or the absence of Somaliland on crucial topics.

Despite all the obstacles, Edna Adna Ismail expressed optimism for Somaliland: “We hope that this light that shines on Somaliland will herald a new dawn that will bring justice to the people of Somaliland, who have a right to be heard, to be seen, and to be recognized as responsible members of the international community. We have never been part of Africa’s problems.”

UNPO’s president also took the opportunity to publicly call on the Somali government to engage in a peace dialogue: “Finally, as we have done for the past 32 years, we, in Somaliland, continue to extend a friendly hand to our neighbors in Somalia for the initiation of a serious dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to our differences, so that our people may, at last, find peace on both sides of our common border.”

The speech was followed by a Q&A session with the audience, which illustrated the growing interest in the topic of Statehood and particularly in the case of the Somaliland Republic. 

Source: HERE