Story and Pictures by our Special Correspondent

Former combatants involved in the death of a civilian in Bana District of South Bougainville have come forward to reconcile with the victim’s family. It was reconciliation between the Orami people of Panguna (a BRA stronghold) and Panam people in Bana. The deceased; Tony Taruningka was executed by the Bougainville Revolution Army soldiers after he was condemned of treason, which according to the BRA standing orders during the ten year crisis; punishable by death. However, circumstances relating to the deceased offense still remain as circumstantial, for he was never actually proven of committing the offense.  Mr. Taruningka’s body was disposed in a pit toilet near a local primary school in the area. His body had remained there for the last 20 years.

The site where the deceased remains were exhumed (inside toora basket with Bougainville flag). A BRA representative (numbered sleeveless shirt) making a speech on behalf of the BRA.

In what was a surreal but very moving event, the deceased’s family was present to witness and accept apology and a small compensation from the BRA representatives, and others who partook in the killing. The deceased remains were recovered from the pit and placed in a Toora (traditional basket for the Nasioi speaking people), while those men who were involved came forward to say sorry and ask for forgiveness from his family.

The deceased own brother Charles Timone represented the family in giving their response. He said that the family humbly accepted the apologies from those involved. And he further went on to say that forgiveness was the way to bring true healing. He stated that there were thousands of similar deaths that occurred during the crisis, and that people who have been affected by such tragedies must have the heart to forgive. Though he admitted that it will be difficult to do so, he pointed out that people of Bougainville have to reconcile with each other first, and that it is the first step to building a better Bougainville. He also declared that the thousands of deaths throughout Bougainville justify a definite referendum for independence, and that independence should be granted without any conditions.

Charles standing before his brother's remains

After the speeches and presentation, all those who took part in the killing of John Taruningka came together around his remains and held hands with his brother. This was to signify the act of reconciliation between the victim and his executers. That moment, there was a profound feeling of serenity all around and people began to let their emotions show. 

Victim's brother with the men involved in the execution, plus other eye witnesses symbolizing the act of reconciliation through the holding of hands around Mr. Tarinungka's remains.

The deceased remains were taken to his family home for the ‘hauskrai’ before he was given a proper burial the following day. Those present to witness the event were the Orami and Panam people, the Panguna Peace Building Strategy officials and the Catholic Charismatic group from the area.