Peace for Panguna

Chief Gregory Kopa

CHIEF Gregory Kopa’s eyes well with tears and his voice is shaky with emotion as he recalls how his life was turned upside down in 1989 when he recalls the Bougainville conflict.  Like so many others he lost everything; his home, his livelihood, savings, possessions and - worst of all - friends and family.

Gregory and his people have slowly re-established their homes and communities but the emotional scars from the conflict are still fresh in their hearts and minds as if it was only yesterday.

Now 82, Gregory, who was in his prime when the Panguna mine commenced operating, is a respected leader in his community admired for his wisdom and experience.  Wisdom that understands just how precious and vital peace is, because when peace breaks down so does everything else:  health, education, justice, security and equality- all the things that allow communities to thrive and prosper in harmony. He tells me it’s impossible to understand the devastation and loss unless you’ve actually lived through it and that’s why people like him, who have survived to tell the tale, fervently hope that peace will last forever.

Now that hope, of peace and unity, shared by thousands has been given a boost with the launch of the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Panguna Peace Building Strategy on February 12, 2013. This is a forward-looking reconciliation and mediation initiative which heralds a new beginning for the people of Panguna and surrounding areas who are keen to reconcile their differences and move forward into a bright and peaceful future.

Recently departed Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ian Kemish - together with leaders representing the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Panguna Landowners, Mekamui and other community leaders – were invited to attend the official launch of the Peace Building Strategy in Panguna.

Mr Kemish described the launch of the strategy as the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Panguna who must now take ownership of the peace plan and be committed to realising its goals.

“It was a privilege to witness such a significant occasion for the people of Panguna.  The commitment of a diverse mix of stakeholders to work together for a brighter future was very clear,” Mr Kemish said.

There are many reasons to be optimistic about Bougainville’s future”, Mr Kemish said.  During his time as the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, freedom of movement had improved, localised conflict in the south had ended, and there was an active conversation about the possible eventual reopening of the Panguna mine.

A panguna elder welcomes outgoing
Australian Ambassador to PNG Ian Kemish

He said the return of economic development and essential services into Panguna looked promising but relied on the trust and confidence of the local people.

Mr Kemish acknowledged that Australia has been and will always be a part of the Bougainville story.  Australia has an interest in a peaceful and prosperous Bougainville and in an ongoing dialogue with the people of Panguna. 

The Peace Building Strategy has the backing of the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia, with Australian AID program providing K1.28 million to complement the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s funding commitment of K1 million.

This support is made available through the Australian AID program -funded initiative Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen.
As Bougainville puts past problems behind and makes progress towards a peaceful, safe and prosperous future, there remains a need to reunite and heal divided communities.  No one is under any illusions that it is going to be easy, but suddenly there is a new optimism in the air. Gregory is certain this marks a new beginning:

“Mipelai bin bungim bikpela hevi stret taim dispela bikpela bagarap ikamap, planti man, meri na pikinini lusim laif bilong ol, mipela bungim hevi long sait blo kaikai, wara na sait bilong panim hausik, mipela bin kamap olsem kalabus long graun blo mipela yet. Nau yet sampela hevi blo dispela kraisis istap yet tasol mipela igat bilif olsem dispela nupela rot blo painim peace bai stretim,” said Gregory.

(“We faced a lot of hardships during the conflict, many men, women and children lost their lives, there was food and water shortages and inadequate healthcare. We became prisoners in our own land. Today, some of these difficulties still exist but we hope that this new peace strategy can help make things better.”)

Bernardine Kira, chairperson of the Lower Tailing Landowner association in Bana District says: “I am hopeful that this peace strategy will bring many benefits for women in the mine affected areas who currently face many difficulties in ensuring their family’s wellbeing especially for their children’s health and education.”

She said the strategy offers a lot of promise to educate village women and produce women leaders who can speak freely about women’s rights and issues.

“Bougainville is a matrilineal society but most decisions nowadays are made by men and often women’s issues are not well represented. We are hoping this peace strategy will open many doors for our women and restore our status,” said Bernadine.

Some pictures of the day:

SPSN Program Director Jeremy Syme, Outgoing Australian High Commissioner
to PNG Ian Kemish and representatives from the Paguna District Administration.

Dancers at the ceremony

School choir singing the National Anthem

Participants at of the Panguna Peace Building Strategy workshop.