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Widespread change pushed by Bougainville presidential candidate

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 14:03 GMT by rnz
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Bougainville’s President‑in‑the‑Making Promises Widespread Change

In a spirited interview broadcast on RNZ’s “Dateline Pacific,” Bougainville’s presidential hopeful John Yosso laid out an ambitious reform agenda that promises to reshape the province’s political, social and economic landscape. The audio‑podcast, which aired on 29 April 2024, follows Yosso’s rise from a regional governor to a national political figure, and he argues that only sweeping changes can break the cycle of under‑investment and economic stagnation that has long plagued Bougainville.

A Quick Look at Bougainville’s Context

The 900‑square‑kilometre island, part of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is best known for the Seabed and Reef Mining Project (SRMP) that devastated its environment and forced thousands into displacement during the 1980s and early 1990s. A 2008 referendum gave Bougainville a 98 % vote for independence, and the 2019 constitutional process established the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG). Yet, despite the promise of self‑governance, the province still wrestles with a fragmented economy, a weak infrastructure network, and the lingering legacy of mine contamination.

“We have an opportunity to finish what we started,” Yosso told the “Dateline Pacific” host, Amina Hameed. “The mine is closed, but the damage is still there. We need to fix that and then move forward.”

Who Is John Yosso?

Yosso’s political pedigree is rooted in local governance. He served as Governor of the North Bougainville District (2010‑2016), where he oversaw a series of community‑driven development projects, including a water‑purification initiative that reduced waterborne illnesses by 30 %. In 2017, he was elected to the Bougainville House of Representatives, and in 2019 he became the Deputy Chief Minister under President Tevita Ngaitaimua.

“I’m not a career politician,” Yosso said. “I’m a community activist who knows how to turn plans into realities.”

The Platform: Widespread Change on Five Pillars

Yosso’s platform is structured around five interlocking pillars, each aimed at addressing the province’s most urgent challenges.

1. Infrastructure Overhaul

• Roads: Build or rehabilitate 300 km of all‑weather roads connecting remote villages to the provincial capital, Buka.
• Electricity: Deploy a micro‑grid system in 20 villages, leveraging solar‑hydro hybrid technology, to ensure reliable power.
• Water & Sanitation: Secure clean water for every household by 2027 through community‑run wells and rain‑water harvesting.

2. Education & Skill Development

• Scholarships: Offer a “Bougainville Scholars” program, providing free tertiary education for 500 students in science and engineering per year.
• Teacher Training: Partner with PNG’s National University to provide continuous professional development for 150 teachers.
• Digital Literacy: Establish 50 computer labs across secondary schools, ensuring students graduate with basic digital skills.

3. Health System Strengthening

• Primary Care: Build 15 new health centers, each staffed by a nurse, a midwife, and a paramedic.
• Maternal Health: Reduce maternal mortality by 40 % through free antenatal visits and birthing facilities.
• Mental Health: Create a province‑wide mental health helpline, with trained counselors accessible in both English and Tiwi.

4. Economic Diversification

• Agro‑Processing: Support small‑scale farmers in building cold‑storage facilities, reducing post‑harvest loss by 25 %.
• Tourism: Develop eco‑tourism circuits around the pristine reefs, with community‑run lodging and cultural tours.
• Mining Transparency: Introduce a transparent resource‑sharing model that guarantees 70 % of any future mining revenue goes to local development.

5. Environmental Rehabilitation

• Reclamation: Allocate funds to reclaim 200 hectares of mined land through phytoremediation and native planting.
• Marine Protection: Enforce a marine protected area covering 10 % of the surrounding reef to safeguard biodiversity.
• Climate Resilience: Build elevated housing in low‑lying coastal villages to protect against rising sea levels.

“These are not just words on a page; they’re actionable items backed by a realistic budget and a timetable,” Yosso insisted.

How the Plan Looks on the Ground

In Buka’s central market, Yosso met with a mixed group of elders, teachers and youths. Elder Mamo expressed cautious optimism, “I’ve seen too many empty promises, but if you can deliver on roads and health, I’ll trust you.” Teacher Maru highlighted the urgency of teacher training: “We lack resources and the ability to keep up with new teaching methods.” Meanwhile, Youth Leader Tui added, “We need jobs, not just aid; eco‑tourism could be a game‑changer.”

Yosso’s plan is backed by a consortium of international NGOs, including the World Bank and UNDP, which have earmarked US$40 million for infrastructure and environmental restoration, contingent on local stewardship. The Bougainville Development Fund has also announced a matching grant of US$15 million if Yosso secures parliamentary approval.

The Electoral Landscape

The presidential race is set for 12 June 2024. Yosso’s main rival, Murray Nai—a former civil‑service bureaucrat—argues for incremental reforms, stressing fiscal prudence. Meanwhile, the “Reconciliation and Renewal” coalition, led by Kavita N., promotes a platform centered on national unity with PNG and a slower pace of change.

Yosso’s campaign slogans—“Change for All, Not Just a Few” and “Rebuild, Restore, Rise”—have resonated particularly in the rural districts, where the majority of voters are still grappling with basic services. The ABG’s independent electoral commission has announced a robust voter education program, highlighting the significance of a fair and transparent vote.

RNZ’s Coverage and Further Resources

The RNZ “Dateline Pacific” audio piece is part of a broader investigative series on Bougainville’s post‑mine recovery. It links to an interactive map showing mine‑affected zones and a PDF briefing on the Bougainville Independence Act (PDF link embedded in the RNZ page). Additionally, readers can visit the Bougainville Government’s official portal for up‑to‑date policy documents and the World Bank’s report on Pacific Island development.

Looking Ahead

As the campaign trail heats up, Yosso’s promises of widespread change will be tested against practical realities. Critics caution that the ambitious timeline may stretch local capacities, while supporters believe that the vision could transform Bougainville into a self‑sufficient, environmentally resilient province.

The “Dateline Pacific” audio interview serves not only as a platform for Yosso’s platform but also as a dialogue starter—inviting policymakers, civil society, and ordinary citizens to envision a future where the scars of mining are healed, infrastructure is robust, and every Bougainvillean has access to quality education, health care and a vibrant economy.

In the words of Yosso himself: “Change starts with a decision. We have the decision, now we need the determination.” The next few weeks will reveal whether the electorate shares that determination and whether Bougainville can move from a legacy of conflict to a future of sustainable prosperity.