The Mataungan Association of East New Britain Province has conveyed its robust support for Bougainville’s quest for independence, fueled by a growing dissatisfaction with consecutive national governments. Chairman Henry Kubak articulated the prevailing sentiments among Bougainvilleans, who express feelings of insecurity and a lack of prosperity under the current national governance framework.
These comments were made during a meeting with the Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee in Kokopo, which focused on the state of affairs in Bougainville. Kubak pointed to the detrimental effects of the 1995 repeal of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments, arguing that this alteration centralized power in Port Moresby and diminished the capacity of local authorities to act effectively.
He reflected on the promising early years of Papua New Guinea’s independence, noting that a functional governance system began to falter after the changes to the Organic Law. He asserted, “Bougainville has already spoken clearly through its 97.7% referendum vote for independence, a democratic process recognized by the Bougainville Peace Agreement.” This assertion underscores a shared viewpoint among the Tolai people, who empathize with Bougainvilleans in their aspirations for independence, citing perceived governance failures and inadequate service delivery.
Furthermore, Kubak emphasized the far-reaching implications of the challenges faced by Bougainville, noting that the repercussions extend throughout East New Britain and the nation as a whole. The Papua New Guinea Bipartisan Committee, led by Dr. Allan Marat and comprising other key Members of Parliament, has been touring various regions to engage with local communities on these vital issues.
The discussions around autonomy and independence tap into a collective yearning for enhanced governance and development, nurturing hope for a more equitable distribution of resources and a brighter future across Papua New Guinea. The ongoing engagement signals a pivotal moment in the region’s quest for better governance, highlighting the potential for meaningful change driven by local voices.