Exploring the Role of Pasin-Lotu in the Peace Process in Bougainville

Abstract

Some studies have revealed that the role of women and pasin-tumbuna1 were important peace mechanisms in the Bougainville crisis. However, it is often forgotten that the women and peacemakers involved were active members of the Christian churches and that the Bougainville traditional customs were already blended with the Christian faith. It has been argued that little was said about the role of Pasin-lotu2 in the peace process3, and the primary objective of this article is to bring this essential aspect of the journey to peace into view. An interpretive paradigm provided a theoretical framework for this study, and a qualitative approach was used to collect, analyse, and interpret data. Melanesian tok-stori4 and personal interviews were used for data collection. An inductive thematic analysis procedure guided the data interpretation. It was revealed that Pasin-lotu drove the spirit of confession and forgiveness, and reconnected the divided people. This faith enhanced the peace negotiations, added meaning to the reconciliation, and brought stability to the peace process. Pasin-lotu emerged from the findings as another essential driver of peace that helped to end the Bougainville Crisis.