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Eco-Health and Culture, PNG and Timor-Leste Strengthen Ties

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The shared Melanesian heritage between Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste took center stage at Government House today. Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and President Dr. José Ramos-Horta moved beyond standard diplomacy, pivoting the bilateral conversation toward environmental protection, medical cooperation, and a vibrant cultural export, PNG music.

With both nations housing some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, the leaders discussed forming a unified front to protect natural rainforests and ocean biodiversity.

Dr. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate currently in Port Moresby for the Melanesian Ocean Summit, praised PNG’s role as a global environmental heavyweight.

“We have great respect for Papua New Guinea which along with Brazil and Indonesia, has the largest rainforest biodiversity in the world and it is also home to the largest Melanesian population in the world,” President Ramos-Horta said.

The President also proposed a practical, hands-on partnership to improve public health, suggesting a formal exchange of medical professionals. The goal is to share expertise on tropical diseases common to both regions. By collaborating on the elimination and control of Malaria and Rabies, the President believes both nations can fortify their healthcare systems through shared learning.

Highlighting PNG’s local music talent, President Ramos-Horta revealed that PNG’s cultural influence extends far across the sea. He stated that PNG musicians have a massive, dedicated following in Timor-Leste and expressed a desire to transform this popularity into a formal cultural exchange.

“I want to invite PNG musicians to Timor-Leste. We have quite a big following of PNG music fans in Timor-Leste,” President Ramos-Horta said.

The President also shared a personal wish to return to Papua New Guinea to visit the Highlands region, showing an interest in the PNG’s diverse cultural landscape.

Turning to geopolitics, the President addressed Timor-Leste’s 2025 entry into ASEAN, thanking PNG for its steadfast support of their membership bid. He affirmed that the two nations would continue to back one another in international forums as they navigate the mutual challenges of infrastructure development and human resource capacity.

“I want to assure you of my country’s support to PNG in international and regional forums,” Dr. Ramos-Horta said.

This important visit signifies a growing partnership between two “guardians” of the region’s natural wealth, concluding with a mutual shared vision for a healthier, greener, and more culturally connected Pacific.

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Sport

Ryan Ani: From Raukele to the Barramandis

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A fresh face is joining the PNG Barramandis as they head to Japan for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. At just 22 years old, Ryan Ani is ready to make his international debut.

Ani, who hails from Hula and Babaka in the Rigo Coastal area of Central Province, grew up with a cricket bat in his hand. His journey started at the Raukele Cricket Club (RCC) within the Port Moresby Cricket Association, a place connected to his father’s side of the family.

“Cricket ran as our family sport, it was part of our lives. Weekends were mostly about cricket, and I grew up loving the sport,” Ani said.

His rise wasn’t overnight. Ani started playing seriously in 2013 as a 10-year-old in the Under-12 division. He worked his way up through the U15 and U18 ranks, showing the kind of discipline and passion needed to reach the top level.

Beyond the pitch, Ani is proving that you can master both sports and studies. Just last month, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University. For him, the game is about more than just runs; it’s about character.

“What I love about cricket is the discipline, commitment, and dedication. The lessons you learn in life can also apply in cricket. It shapes your morals and values both on and off the field,” he said.

Ani’s ticket to the national team came after a standout performance in the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash domestic tournament earlier this year. Now, he wants to use his platform to help the team and motivate the next generation.

“I would love to play more matches and seize every opportunity to support my teammates, while also inspiring others who may or may not know the sport,” he added.

While he is looking forward to the future, Ani often looks back at a defining moment in 2022. Playing for Raukele in the Premier Division, he smashed his first century during a tough chase against Coasters Cricket Club. His team was chasing over 300 runs, and things looked grim.

“All hope seemed to fall, but I didn’t give up. I held my end and gave my team hope. We chased down the total and won the game, that’s my favorite memory,” he recalled.

As the Barramandis begin their campaign in Japan from 8-18 May, all eyes will be on Ani. His debut isn’t just a personal win, it’s a sign of the young talent keeping the spirit of PNG cricket alive.

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Kumuls Legend Alex Johnston Seals Deal with PNG Chiefs

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Alex Johnston has officially put pen to paper, confirming his move to the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 NRL debut.

The announcement, released from the Santos Football Stadium in Boroko, confirms Johnston as the first-ever Papua New Guinean player to join the expansion club’s roster.

For the veteran winger, this transition is a personal homecoming. Despite his long-standing success in Australia, Johnston stated that the opportunity to represent his bloodline in the NRL was a calling he could not ignore.

“Having my PNG heritage, it was almost like a duty or an obligation,” Johnston said.

“When the team got announced, I felt like I had to go over there and represent my family, my nan, as best I can.”

PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas, described the signing as a special moment, calling Johnston a Papua New Guinean icon who has carried the hopes of the nation throughout his career.

“And now he is coming home,” Chammas said.

Johnston arrives at the Chiefs as the most prolific finisher the game has ever seen. Just two months ago, he made history by surpassing the legendary Ken Irvine to become the all-time leading try-scorer in premiership history.

Club CEO, Lorna McPherson stated that while everyone knows he is a proven performer and a record holder, his value off the field is just as significant.

She stated that his humility and connection to the country make him the perfect ambassador for the club.

Johnston’s connection to the red, black, and gold is already well-established. As a 12-capped PNG Kumul, he has been a mainstay of the national side, representing the country with distinction on the international stage. This existing bond with the PNG fans is expected to form the heart of the Chiefs’ identity as they build toward 2028.

The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal to lead the Chiefs into their first season under coach Willie Peters.

While he remains contracted to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for another 18 months, Johnston is already looking forward to the 2028 campaign in Port Moresby.

The Chiefs expressed their gratitude to the Rabbitohs for their professionalism in allowing Johnston the ability to secure this future move.

For now, the Try-Scoring King remains focused on finishing his tenure in Sydney with another premiership before officially “coming home”.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Kina Bank’s Rangeview Digital Hub Returns with Level 1 Upgrade

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Shopping at Rangeview Plaza just got a little more productive. In a move to blend essential financial services with everyday lifestyle, Kina Bank has officially unveiled its revamped Digital Hub, now operating from a fresh, relocated space on Level 1 of the mall.

The upgraded facility resumed operations on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, moving from its previous spot on the same floor to a more streamlined, dedicated area designed to handle the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby’s retail crowd.

The reopening isn’t just about a change of scenery; it’s part of a broader strategy to ditch the long queues of traditional bank branches in favor of quick, tech-driven solutions.

Open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, the hub acts as a high-speed service center where customers can jump-start their digital banking journey.

Staff at the site are now processing everything from new account openings and instant Visa Debit card issuances to personal loan applications. For those still navigating the shift to digital, the hub serves as a tech clinic, helping locals register for internet banking and the increasingly popular WhatsApp banking platform.

“These hubs are designed to bring banking closer to where our customers live, work and shop. We’re focused on making our services easier to access while helping customers better understand the products available to them,” said Rayeleene Elston, Kina Bank’s Executive General Manager for Business and Retail Banking.

The Rangeview upgrade is just the first domino to fall. Kina Bank currently operates eight other Digital Hubs across Papua New Guinea, and the bank has confirmed that every single one of them is slated for a similar refresh.

By doubling down on these mall-based hubs, Kina is sending a clear message to the market: the future of banking in PNG isn’t behind a heavy glass teller window, it’s right where the people are.

As the bank continues to modernize its footprint, the focus remains on delivering a simple and convenient experience that proves digital banking doesn’t have to be daunting.

For regular Rangeview shoppers, that means one less trip to a main branch and more time spent getting things done.

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National Court Overturns Ombudsman Order Blocking Starlink Licence in PNG

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Gemini Ai generated Image of Starlink satellite over earth.

In a decision handed down yesterday, Justice Purdon-Sully declared a 28 February 2024 Direction from the Ombudsman Commission “ultra vires and consequently null and void.” The Court issued an order quashing the Direction and ordered the Commission to pay the plaintiffs’ legal costs.

The judicial review was filed by the Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu, alongside NICTA CEO Kila Gulo-Vui, Board Chairman Noel Mobiha, and Director for Licensing and Enforcement Panny Yokope. The Ombudsman Commission was named as the defendant.

The Core of the Dispute

At the center of the case was a four-page Direction issued under Section 27(4) of the Constitution. This provision allows the Ombudsman Commission to issue orders to prevent breaches of the Leadership Code. The Direction instructed the plaintiffs to:

  1. Stop authorising or granting any Network Operator Licence to Starlink Internet Services (PNG) Limited.
  2. Refrain from issuing a licence without prior clearance from the Ombudsman Commission.
  3. Revoke any licence already issued to Starlink pending “further and wider public consultation.”

The Commission warned that failure to comply would amount to misconduct in office, a charge that can lead to dismissal.

Timeline of Events

The licensing process began in August 2023, when NICTA opened public consultations on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite licensing.

  • 1 September 2023: Starlink lodged its application for an Individual Operator Licence.
  • 29 December 2023: A second consultation on licensing conditions concluded.
  • 18 December 2023: The NICTA Board gave in-principle approval for Starlink’s licences, subject to final terms.
  • 2 January 2024: Minister Masiu made the decision public.

The Ombudsman Commission claimed it received complaints that the licence was issued while consultations were incomplete and that stakeholder submissions had been ignored. Following an exchange of letters, the Commission issued the Section 27(4) Direction on 28 February 2024.

NICTA requested the Direction be lifted in April and June 2024. When it remained in place, the plaintiffs filed for judicial review on 5 August 2024, with leave granted the following month.

The Court’s Findings

Justice Purdon-Sully stated the central issue was whether the Ombudsman Commission had the jurisdiction to issue such a Direction.

While Section 27(4) empowers the Ombudsman to uphold the Leadership Code, the Court emphacized that Supreme Court precedents clarify this power is “quasi-judicial” and must be exercised “sparingly and only in very limited and carefully considered cases.”

The Court found the Direction failed to meet several “key and essential factors”:

  • No evidence of Leadership Code breach: The material showed “technical process concerns” regarding NICTA’s consultation, rather than misconduct by leaders.
  • Insufficient factual foundation: The Direction relied on “diffuse regulatory concerns” instead of facts showing corrupt or improper conduct.
  • Alternative options: The Ombudsman could have used its general investigative powers under Section 219 of the Constitution rather than a “coercive direction” that froze NICTA’s statutory functions.

“The Direction discloses no articulation of how the Plaintiffs engaged with s27(1)(a)-(d),” the judgment stated.

“The materials do not link any leader to improper gain or conflict.”

Implications of the Ruling

The Court further held that suspending NICTA’s licensing role exposed the State to “unnecessary risks or liabilities,” including potential damages claims by Starlink or third parties.

“It is not sufficient for the Defendant to base the use of the power on the strength of a purported misleading ministerial media statement, an incomplete consultation process and what may or may not be revealed during an investigation,” Justice Purdon-Sully wrote. He ultimately described the Direction as “an arbitrary and unconstitutional exercise of power” and “an excess of jurisdiction.”

The ruling removes the legal barriers preventing NICTA from continuing its assessment of Starlink’s licence. The Ombudsman Commission maintains the right to appeal the decision.

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How extreme Aussie weather is fuelling ‘eco-anxiety’

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The day Troyene Evans lost her home to the Victorian bushfires, she knew there was “something bad in the air.”

The fire ripped through Harcourt, a small town in regional Victoria, in January with police blockades preventing anyone from getting near.

“The sky was just orange and flat and you could smell the smoke in the air and I was just really panicked about the dogs,” the 51-year-old care worker said.

“I managed to make it back to Harcourt the next day and everything was just black and smoking still.”

Her home, furniture, irreplaceable family photos and grandmother’s jewellery were gone. 

Lifeline Australia says it has seen an uptick in extreme weather events impacting the mental health of people across the country.

A poll it released on Thursday found 53 per cent of those surveyed had changed their behaviour because of stress related to extreme weather.

This includes where they live or work, withdrawing from social activities, or giving up hobbies such as gardening; playing or watching sports; and seeing friends.

The poll, which canvassed the views of 1500 people, also found 40 per cent said their mental health or that of someone they know was harmed. 

“That strikes me as being really critical knowledge,” Lifeline chief research officer Anna Brooks said.

“We know now from the data, this can really affect their risk of suicide.”

Lifeline Australia receives 400 calls per day to its dedicated 13HELP phone number for people impacted by natural disasters.

For Ms Evans, the smell of smoke has been a trigger in the aftermath of the Victorian fires.

“Campfires were always quite a comforting smell for me, and now it carries with it a bit of anxiety and a bit of stress when I smell anything smoky,” she said.

The overlap between the country’s burgeoning mental health crisis and climate change was apparent for Rebecca Huntley of think-tank 89 Degrees East, which conducted the research.

“This is not just a couple of nervous Nellie climate activists who are suffering from eco-anxiety,” Dr Huntley said. 

“Extreme weather events are changing the way that Australians live.”

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Ok Tedi Welcomes New Graduates to 2026 Development Scheme

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Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) officially welcomed a fresh cohort of talent into its 2026 Graduate Development Scheme (GDS), headlined by seven standout undergraduate scholarship recipients from the PNG University of Technology. These high-achieving graduates are part of a larger intake of 44 professionals joining the company to bolster its future-ready workforce.

The seven scholarship graduates, who specialized in critical fields like civil, mining, and mineral processing engineering, join 37 other peers recruited from various tertiary institutions across the country, including UPNG, Divine Word University, and Pacific Adventist University.

Speaking on the milestone, Morris Nandun, Acting Manager Training and Capacity Development, emphasized that these programs are vital to Ok Tedi’s sustainability goals.

“Investing in people and developing Papua New Guinean capability is a key part of our sustainable priority and social responsibility as a 100 per cent PNG-owned company,” Mr. Nandun said.

“With our mine life extended beyond 2025, investing in education, structured training and workforce readiness ensures we operate sustainably while creating meaningful long-term opportunities for our people”.

For the graduates, the transition from the classroom to the mine site represents both a personal achievement and a commitment to national service.

“The Ok Tedi scholarship motivated us to remain focused and committed throughout our studies,” the graduates said.

“As we begin our careers, we understand the responsibility that comes with the opportunity and are committed to contributing positively to the Company and the country”.

The GDS is designed to support succession planning and safe operations, aligning with the company’s Growth 2050 Strategy to ensure long-term business resilience while delivering value for PNG.

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ABG launches Bougainville Wings, region’s new flag carrier 

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Small beech aircraft, white and maroon in color.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has launched Bougainville Wings Limited, describing it as Bougainville’s flag carrier and a milestone for the region’s aviation sector.

President Ishmael Toroama officially launched the airline at Buka Airport yesterday.

Bougainville Wings is a joint venture between the ABG and Outback Aviation. The ABG holds a 70 per cent majority share through the Bougainville Public Investment Corporation Limited, while industry partners hold the remaining 30 per cent.

“The aviation industry in Bougainville has long awaited progress and we are looking forward to expand this significant beginning,” President Toroama said in his address.

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama standing next to the aircraft, Bougainville Wings.
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, standing beside the aircraft, Bougainville wings. (PHOTO/ABG Media)

He said his government was committed to ensuring the national carrier’s success.

“Under my leadership and the department of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development, we are committed to making sure that Bougainville Wings is well established and managed to bring revenue to the ABG government, as it is intended.”

The launch was attended by members of the ABG, Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development Minister Hon. Robin Wilson, Bougainville Wings Limited Chairman Mr. Sylvester Kenatsi, the Secretary for the Department of Economic Development, and other invited guests.

Minister Wilson said the airline had moved from planning to operations after securing regulatory approval.

“We are no longer planning, we are operating. Bougainville Wings successfully secured its certificate of Airworthiness from CASA PNG on the 20th of December 2025,” he said.

Bougainville Wings is expected to play a key role in supporting the Bougainville 2052 Vision by improving connectivity across the region, particularly for remote and underserved communities such as Nissan, Buin, Torokina, and the Atolls.

The ABG said the launch marks a “humble yet significant beginning” for Bougainville’s aviation industry, with a focus on sustainability, growth, and expansion.

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ABG to resume Panguna landowner consultations following protest

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Open cut mine at Panguna.

Targeted consultations with Panguna landowners and their representative groups will resume on Monday, April 20, 2026, as the Autonomous Bougainville Government moves to address grievances raised over lack of proper consultation on the EL01 licence.

The announcement follows a protest last Friday by landowners in the Panguna Mine Pit area who opposed the reopening of the mine, citing unconsented entry and lack of consultation with actual mine site owners.

President Ishmael Toroama, who is also Minister for Mining, said engagement activities had been temporarily suspended for two weeks due to Cyclone Maila, which affected accessibility and community readiness.

“The ABG, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, will now recommence its structured engagement program following these disruptions,” President Toroama said.

The consultations will involve Panguna landowners, Community Government representatives, Ward Members, and other local authorities. They mark the continuation of stakeholder and landowner engagement efforts disrupted by the cyclone.

President Toroama said this phase will focus on addressing key issues and grievances identified during earlier consultations. This includes strengthening understanding of the Cooperation Agreement between Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL), and clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities of all parties.

“The process will also seek to build consensus among landowners and ensure that engagement is carried out in an inclusive, transparent, and orderly manner,” he said.

In parallel, the ABG, through the Central Parliamentary Committee (CPC), will undertake constituency-level engagements across Central Bougainville focused on the dissemination of factual information on Panguna-related matters. These are intended to strengthen communication between leaders and communities, said President Toroama.

Toroama stated the Representatives from BCL and LMEL will participate in the engagement program to provide further clarification on their respective roles and responsibilities under the Cooperation Agreement.

President Toroama acknowledged there are differing views within the community regarding developments at Panguna.

“A key priority of this engagement process is to promote inclusive participation, including constructive engagement with individuals and groups who may have concerns or who oppose aspects of the current process. The Government remains committed to ensuring that all voices are heard,” he said.

In the announcement made yesterday, the ABG will also provide further clarity on grievance mechanisms available to landowners under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, as well as those outlined in the Land Access and Compensation Agreement (LACA) signed between Panguna Landowners and Bougainville Copper Limited in late 2024. The agreement applies to BCL and any entity authorised by BCL to undertake activities under the EL01 Panguna licence, including LMEL under the Cooperation Agreement.

“The Autonomous Bougainville Government reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent process that reflects the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bougainville,” President Toroama said.

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Bougainville Landowners Protest Reopening of Panguna Mine

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Traditional landowners from Bougainville staged a protest on Friday against plans by the region’s autonomous government to let an Indian company reopen the long-shuttered Panguna gold and copper mine.

At least several dozen staged a protest near the mine site in central Bougainville against Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) President Ishmael Toroama’s plans to allow India-based Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) restart the mine, which was shut down by a local uprising over 35 years ago.

Female landowners from the villages of Guava and Moroni led the protest, which involved the ceremonial placement of a plant in the ground.

“To the Lloyds company and BCL (Bougainville Copper Limited) and others, we are planting this as a cultural symbol: we don’t want the Panguna Mine to reopen. This is a cultural ritual to put a stop to the reopening of the mine,” Chieftess Genevieve Ampa’oi said.

Picture supplied by Panguna Osikaiang

The protest comes amid opposition from prominent Bougainvillean community leaders including Domana Ward member and former rebel commander Moses Pipiro. Critics say Toroama has not properly consulted with the local land and resource owners of the Panguna mine site.

Community members have also raised concerns about what they say is the engagement of veterans from other areas of central Bougainville as security for LMEL, which they fear could lead to conflict.

Toroama’s office declined to comment when contacted by Inside PNG.

Experts estimate that tens of billions of dollars of mineral wealth remains in the mine site, but plans to reopen the mine over the years have been stymied by community opposition and deliberations over cleanups and compensation related to environmental damage from the mine’s previous operations.

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