ABG to Co-Host PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations across Bougainville
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), in partnership with National Members of Parliament, will co-host Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations across Bougainville’s three regions — North, Central, and South.
This decision follows an earlier directive by Chief Secretary and Head of the Bougainville Public Service, Kearnneth Nanei, calling for close collaboration to ensure this historic milestone is celebrated with the significance and dignity it deserves.
In line with the ABG’s earlier circular on public holidays, Chief Secretary Nanei reaffirmed that Tuesday, 16th September 2025, is declared an official public holiday in Bougainville, pursuant to Section 2(1)(f) of the Bougainville Public Holidays Act 2011. This will allow Bougainvilleans to mark Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee in unity and pride.
Nanei also noted that, under National Gazette No. G827, the National Government has declared Monday, 15th September and Wednesday, 17th September 2025 as nationwide public holidays. While the ABG is currently in an election period and the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) is not in session to separately declare these dates, they shall be observed in Bougainville under Section 296(1), Part XIV of the National Constitution, which applies national laws in the absence of a Bougainville law.
“All government departments, statutory bodies, institutions, business houses, development partners, and the general public are directed to respectfully observe these holidays and actively participate in the commemorative activities across North, Central, and South Bougainville,” Nanei said.
Celebration venues have been confirmed as follows:
- Hutjena Oval (North Bougainville)
- Arawa Town (Central Bougainville)
- Buin Town (South Bougainville)
Community governments across all constituencies will also host local commemorations, led by their respective chairs.
Nanei emphasized that although the celebrations coincide with the counting of the 2025 ABG General Elections, the significance of the nation’s 50th Independence must be fully observed alongside the democratic process.
All official duties for the Bougainville Public Service, schools, institutions, and businesses will formally resume at 8:45 a.m. (BST) on Thursday, 18th September 2025.
“On behalf of the ABG, I extend my warmest wishes to all Bougainvilleans for a meaningful and joyous celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary,” Nanei said.
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