Papua New Guinea has entered a week of national mourning following the peaceful passing of former Prime Minister Right Hon. Sir Julius Chan at the age of 85, the last standing of the founding fathers of the country.
The Chan family released a statement on Thursday 30 January, afternoon announcing the death of Sir Julius Chan at 12.30pm at his beloved home at Manmantinut, Huris surrounded by family and friends.
“We thank all those who have stood by him, and those who have shared his legacy throughout his political life from pre-independence to the time of his passing.
He was a political icon transcending generations and his legacy will remain forever in the pages of our history books and moreso in the hearts of so many.”
Sir Julius' political journey from 1939 to January 30, 2025, holding several respectable positions in the PNG political space as the Prime Minister, deputy prime minister, minister and party leader, that’s nearly 50 years in politics and served as PNG’s second Prime Minister, serving two terms between 1980–1982 and 1994-1997.
Sir Julias Chan was one of the last surviving members of the first post-independence leadership team.
He played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic policies, governance, and its transition from colonial rule to self-governance.
The news of his death has flooded the country with emotion as his passing coincided with the launch of PNG’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, this year.
PNG’s mainstream media rushed to their historical archives to put out what they have, beautifully told and untold stories of Sir Julius. Pictures dated back, black and white that brought out emotions and feeling of patriotism.
One memory notable to all is when Sir Julias Chan was the first Finance Minister in 1972 taking credit for creating the central bank and PNG’s currency, Kina and Toea, known as the father of the Kina and Toea.
To honour Sir Julius’s life and contributions, the government organized a formal State Funeral. Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on February 01, confirmed the updated State Funeral Programme for the late Sir Julius Chan, following discussions with his family.
The funeral programme included a Public Memorial and Cultural Observances on Saturday, February 1 by the New Ireland Community Programme at Kopkop College in Port Moresby (Public welcome). The casket remained at Erima Funeral Home overnight.
On Sunday, February 2, the State Funeral and National Haus Krai was held. Followed by a State Funeral Service at St. Mary’s Cathedral (PNG Defence Force Ceremonial Guard present) and National Haus Krai (mourning place) at Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium (Tributes, cultural presentations, and speeches by national leaders, including Prime Minister Marape).
The National Haus Krai was hosted by the National Capital District (NCD) Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop and provided an opportunity for everyone including Members of Parliament, senior bureaucrats to pay their final respects to Sir Julius Chan.
At the National Haus Krai, National leaders, MPs, and party leaders spoke on behalf of their constituencies and political parties.
This tribute served as a time of remembrance and respect as the country reflected on the monumental contributions of this great man.
The Prime Minister in his statement, further described Sir Julius as one of the last remaining leaders of PNG’s independence era, acknowledging his influence in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
"Sir Julius’s passing is a moment of deep reflection for our nation. He was part of a generation of leaders who took this country forward from colonial rule to self-governance. His leadership, vision, and dedication will be remembered as we continue the work of building Papua New Guinea," Marape stated.
Prime Minister Marape will personally accompany Sir Julius’ body to his home province New Ireland, to its final resting place on Wednesday.
PM Marape said, “The Government will honour him while staying true to his final wish.”
“When Parliament reconvenes in March, the first two days will be dedicated to recognising his immense contributions to Papua New Guinea.
“We owe him our gratitude for a lifetime of service. He was a visionary leader, a founding father, and a statesman who shaped our history. The nation will take this time to reflect on his legacy and give him the farewell he rightfully deserves.
On February 3, lying in state at Parliament Grand Hall, the state dignitaries and MPs paid their last respects. By 12:30 PM, Sir Julias Chan’s casket departed Port Moresby for Kavieng. The 19-Gun Salute by PNGDF at APEC VIP Terminal, was the final respect from everyone in the nation’s capital.
On Tuesday, February 4, the Provincial Funeral and Customary Observances took place. By Wednesday, February 5, burial service for the Late Rt. Hon. Sir Julius Chan at Huris, his home village honouring Sir Julius Chan’s Legacy.
Prime Minister Marape described Sir Julius as a "towering statesman" whose decades of service shaped the nation’s political and economic landscape.
"Sir Julius Chan was not just a leader; he was a statesman of great wisdom and resilience, a man who dedicated his life to the service of our country," Marape stated.
Sir Julias Chan is survived by his wife, Lady Stella Chan, and children Vanessa, Byron, Mark and Toea.
May Sir Julius Chan rest in eternal peace.
