Source: Special Correspondent in Bougainville

The Mekim na Save scheme implemented during the crisis was a phenomenon that resonated efficient self-reliance for Bougainville in a time when the people had no support from outside. Mekim na Save was an initiative implemented by skilled Bougainvilleans on many disciplines to help sustain themselves when goods and services were completely cutoff by Papua New Guinea and Australia through the brutal PNG army thugs. Though the psychological and physical traumas are unforgettable; the Mekim na Save initiative was a sign of resilience in the face of adversity.    

Today, the fruits of this initiative are still evident despite the crisis being well over. The scheme basically covered almost every sector needs of the people. Back then, Bougainvilleans had to make electricity by hydro, biodiesel with coconut oil, metal fabrication and gunsmith, basic education and life skills training of the young and youth, rediscovery of effective herbal and traditional medicine and savvy agricultural and poultry technics; it was a creation of a self-sufficient communal economy that greatly assisted those inside Bougainville Revolution Army (BRA) held territories. And off course, the famous coconut revolution has its roots firmly planted here. 

The IPA agricultural school way up in the mountains of Paruparu served as a university at the time of the crisis, it came about through the Mekim na Save scheme. The school operates to this day.

Despite the obvious hardships faced by the blockade and the occasional look out for the brutal PNGDF thugs. Life would not have been as convenient if it had not been for the peoples’ innovation and creativity, and most importantly care for one and other that kept their spirits fighting on. Yes, they had a thriving economy despite the hardships.

Apart from the stories of hardships, pain and trauma, many always reflect upon the scheme and how it made their lives bearable during the dark times. It is by far the most significant thing when people had to depend on each other and make-do with whatever that was available to substantiate their lives inside the thick of the jungles of Bougainville.

Many homes and villages in Bougainville obtain electricity through this means; this one is made from a washing machine motor (covered by metal calvet).

Bougainville is moving into a very important time of her long walk towards self-determination, and there has never been any time as vital as the time between now and her independence. Bougainville should closely scrutinize the direction she is taking. It is arguably understood that fair representation is one very important issue that is crying for redress, it is clear in the way in which  (and even in the highest political authority) political leaders are approaching the issues of helping this baby in the autonomy to grow strong legs and walk.

Bougainville was showing independence during the hardest times. This was during the crisis! Yes, it was those times that created a resilient and self-sufficient people that BCL and PNGDF wanted to ‘starve out’. Hence, Bougainville does not need to look far but from within and tap into the unharnessed skills and resources it has. And forget chasing rainbows outside and creating an oasis future for her people. It is obvious who is crying to come back after being given the boot twenty six years ago. The desperation is not from the people of Bougainville, in-fact it is from outside; wanting years ago. The desperation is not from the people of Bougainville, in-fact it is from outside; wanting to come in.

Ultimately, Bougainville need not to look elsewhere, the determinants of the development of its economy is in its people, who fought, shed blood and won the battle for her self-determination that now seems to be going back to the hands of those who took Bougainville hostage before.