Ereman Tobaining Jr Rejects Independence? Calls for Stronger Bougainville Autonomy

Hon. Ereman Tobaining Jr., Member for Kokopo Open Electorate, delivers his contribution to the Bougainville independence debate in the Papua New Guinea Parliament. In this important parliamentary speech, Tobaining acknowledges the overwhelming result of the 2019 Bougainville referendum and says the wishes of the people must be respected. However, he argues that the referendum result is not itself a declaration of independence and that Parliament must follow the constitutional process. He questions whether the autonomy provisions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement have been fully implemented, including the transfer of powers, institutional development, economic self-reliance and adequate resources for the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Tobaining calls for stronger autonomy in practice, not just on paper. He argues that Bougainville should receive greater decision-making powers, improved revenue capacity and stronger support for infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and private-sector development. Speaking as the Member for Kokopo and a representative of East New Britain, he also highlights the historical and family ties between East New Britain and Bougainville. He advocates stronger provincial authority and decentralisation across Papua New Guinea, saying that empowering provinces and communities can strengthen national unity rather than divide the country. His position is clear: he supports one sovereign Papua New Guinea with stronger provinces, meaningful self-government and a peaceful, constitutional approach to Bougainville’s political future. Watch the full speech and share your thoughts: Can stronger autonomy address Bougainville’s aspirations while keeping Papua New Guinea united? Subscribe to PNG Parliament Updates for more parliamentary debates, political speeches and important national issues. #PNGParliamentUpdates #EremanTobainingJr #BougainvilleDebate