In 1975, Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers stood before the world with a vision of a proud, united, and self-governing nation. Fifty years on, their portraits hang in public buildings and their names adorn schools, streets, and stadiums. But were they alive today—Sir Michael Somare foremost among them—what would they make of the country they helped build?
PNG at 50 is a study in contrasts. It has preserved political stability through regular elections, boasts a rich and vibrant culture, and holds enormous economic potential. Yet it is also plagued by corruption, inequality, lawlessness, and institutional decay. The promises of independence remain only partially fulfilled. For the generation that led PNG into nationhood, the current state of affairs would likely evoke both pride and dismay.
A Nation Intact, But Uneven
For all its challenges, Papua New Guinea has avoided many of the post-colonial pitfalls seen elsewhere. It has not descended into civil war (with the tragic exception of Bougainville), nor become a dictatorship. The military has remained under civilian control. The constitution, largely intact since 1975, has withstood enormous pressure. That in itself is no small achievement.
But the hopes of equitable development, good governance, and a strong national identity remain elusive. While parts of Port Moresby resemble a modern city, many rural areas still lack roads, schools, and health clinics. Access to electricity, clean water, and internet remains among the lowest in the region. The independence architects envisioned a state that would serve all its people. Today, that vision is deeply uneven.
Corruption and the Betrayal of Vision
If there is one issue that would draw harsh condemnation from PNG’s early leaders, it is corruption. Sir Michael Somare often spoke of leadership as a sacred duty—wanpela kantri, wanpela pipol. The entrenched culture of patronage and self-enrichment among the political elite today would deeply disappoint him and his peers.
Transparency International’s corruption perception rankings paint a bleak picture. Billions in public funds have been misused or gone unaccounted for. Investigative journalism and whistleblower reports suggest that corruption is not incidental but systemic—woven into contract processes, constituency funds, and even public service appointments.
The founders wanted a government that would be close to the people. Instead, many see politics as a business venture rather than a service, with elections treated as investments to be recouped later. This betrayal of purpose would be among the greatest affronts to the independence generation.
The Promise of Unity, Fractured
At independence, unity in diversity was a central theme. But tribalism, regionalism, and urban-rural divides still define political life. Parliamentarians are often judged not by national performance but by their ability to “bring development” to their home electorates—frequently to the exclusion of others.
The Bougainville Referendum of 2019, which saw over 97% vote for independence, reflected both historical grievances and a wider disillusionment with Waigani’s ability to govern inclusively. For PNG’s founders, this would be a sobering moment. Bougainville was one of the original provinces of the new nation. Its potential departure—still pending negotiation—signals a major test of the unity they fought to protect.
Youth and the New Papua New Guinea
What might lift the spirits of the independence generation, however, is the dynamism of PNG’s youth. Over 60% of the population is under 25. From creative arts to small business, social media activism to church leadership, young Papua New Guineans are forging new identities that blend tradition and modernity. They are asking tough questions—about leadership, justice, and the role of women—and demanding answers.
The digital era is transforming civic space. Political satire, investigative blogs, and TikTok commentary are reshaping how citizens engage with power. This grassroots political energy is something the founders could only have dreamed of—and perhaps, today, would find hopeful.
A Time for Renewal, Not Just Reflection
As PNG marks 50 years of independence, the question should not simply be how far have we come? but how far are we prepared to go? Independence was not the end of a journey but its beginning. The values of public service, national unity, and inclusive development need not remain ideals of a bygone era. They can be reclaimed.
The founding fathers would likely urge today’s leaders to go beyond commemorative parades and slogans. They would call for deep reforms—to restore accountability, re-energise institutions, and bring government back to the people. They would demand not nostalgia, but renewal.
In the words of Somare: “The future of this country lies not in the hands of foreign powers, but in the hearts of our own people.” Fifty years on, that challenge remains as urgent as ever.