Celebrating 50 Years of Independence: Papua New Guinea’s Journey from Colonial Rule to Nationhood

As the sun sets over Port Moresby’s expansive harbor, the vibrant atmosphere of Ela Beach comes alive. Young men engage in spirited games of football, while teenagers showcase their skateboarding skills on a nearby court. The scene is a testament to the community’s resilience and spirit, a stark contrast to the beach’s past, which was marred by colonial restrictions.

A Painful Legacy

Decades ago, during the era of Australian colonial rule, a sign at Ela Beach read, “No dogs or natives allowed.” This painful reminder of inequality resonates with many Papua New Guineans, including Dr. John Momis, who reflects on the nation’s journey toward independence. “There was a lot of inequality… things like that were conspicuously wrong,” he recalls, emphasizing the need for change.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) endured nearly a century of colonization, first under German and British control, and later under Australia from 1906. The unification of Papua and the former German colony of New Guinea in 1949 marked a significant administrative shift, yet local governance remained limited. The Papua and New Guinea Act of 1949 allowed for some local rule, but true autonomy was still a distant dream.

The Kiap System: A Colonial Legacy

Dr. Momis, who grew up on Bougainville Island, had mixed experiences with the colonial administration. While he appreciated the mentorship of his headmaster from Queensland, he found the Kiaps-district officers representing the colonial government-less agreeable. “People just did what they were told,” he explains, highlighting the lack of local participation in governance.

Australia dispatched around 2,000 patrol officers to PNG, tasked with enforcing laws and facilitating development. However, the broader system often marginalized local voices. “We wanted people to participate in the process of development… to become agents of change,” Dr. Momis asserts.

The Road to Independence

Sir Michael Somare, often referred to as the “father” of Papua New Guinea, shared this vision of self-determination. His early life as a teacher and radio announcer shaped his understanding of the need for independence. “His take-home pay was a stipend of very low dollars and corned beef and biscuits,” recalls his son, Arthur Somare. This humble beginning fueled his desire for a future where Papua New Guineans could determine their own destiny.

In the 1960s, Somare and other young leaders began advocating for self-governance. Their efforts culminated in PNG’s independence on September 16, 1975, a momentous occasion that marked the end of colonial rule.

A Pivotal Meeting

Before becoming Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam visited PNG with his son, Antony. The encounter with young Papua New Guineans advocating for independence left a lasting impression. “They were a pretty impressive bunch of young men who were likely to be, and would, did, become the future leaders of PNG,” Antony Whitlam recalls.

When Gough Whitlam assumed office in 1972, he prioritized PNG’s independence as a key aspect of his foreign policy. He believed that Australia’s colonial legacy needed to be addressed. “It wasn’t just a matter for PNG about whether they became independent. It was also a matter for Australia and whether it wanted to be a colonial power,” Antony explains.

However, not everyone supported this transition. Many expatriates in PNG opposed independence, fearing the loss of their privileges. In some regions, indigenous groups felt unprepared for self-governance, having only recently made contact with the outside world.

Uniting a Diverse Nation

Sir Michael Somare faced the daunting task of uniting a nation comprised of over 800 languages and diverse tribal groups. “From the very outset, the old man’s biggest challenge was to get everyone together and share in a vision that they are one people,” Arthur Somare notes.

Despite achieving independence, PNG continues to grapple with challenges related to unity. Tribal conflicts persist, often spilling into urban areas like Port Moresby as people migrate in search of better opportunities.

Celebrating Progress Amidst Challenges

As Papua New Guinea marks its 50th anniversary of independence, Prime Minister James Marape emphasizes the importance of celebration. “Where else in the world do you find that diversity in a symphony of one nation, one people, one country?” he asks, reflecting on the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.

However, Marape acknowledges the ongoing challenges. “I am the first to admit challenges remain,” he states, expressing a desire for more resources to address the nation’s issues.

Disillusionment Among Founding Fathers

Despite the celebrations, some founding figures, including Sir Michael Somare, became disillusioned with the state of the nation in later years. His daughter, Dulciana Somare-Brash, recalls her father’s concerns about governance and institutional integrity. “I think at one point he felt like our institutions weren’t upholding the importance of governance and rules,” she shares.

Before his passing in 2021, PNG’s most effective anti-corruption agency had been dismantled, leaving corruption as a pervasive issue. Today, another anti-corruption body faces challenges, with its commissioners suspended amid ongoing scrutiny.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Unity and Progress

As PNG reflects on its 50 years of independence, many see this milestone as an opportunity to envision a brighter future. “I am so proud. I’m such a proud Papua New Guinean,” Dulciana Somare-Brash expresses. She emphasizes the resilience of her people, who have thrived for thousands of years, and believes that the solutions to the nation’s challenges lie within its citizens.

“It’s always been up to us. It has been for 50 years,” she asserts, calling for a renewed commitment to unity and progress.

Conclusion

Papua New Guinea’s journey from colonial rule to independence is a complex narrative filled with triumphs and challenges. As the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands at a crossroads, reflecting on its past while looking toward a future shaped by its people. The spirit of resilience and the desire for self-determination continue to drive the nation forward, reminding all Papua New Guineans of their shared history and collective aspirations.