Pacific news in brief for 9 November

Vanuatu

Health officials in Vanuatu have declared an influenza A outbreak on the island of Tanna.

The Vanuatu Daily Post is reporting the Ministry of Health saying 163 flu-like illness cases have recently been reported, with cases rising over the last month.

Two people have become severely ill, but no one has been admitted to hospital.

The illness is mostly affecting young adults.

Authorities are urging people to wash their hands, cover coughs, and stay home when sick.

Cook Islands

Cook Islands Police have launched a new online tool for visitor driver licences.

The new system allows tourists and other visitors to apply for a visitor licence online before arriving in Rarotonga.

Most overseas licences are valid in the Cook Islands, but rental companies may still require visitors, particularly those hiring motorbikes, to obtain a local visitor licence.

Police recommend applying online at least 48 hours before arriving.

Pacific

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members will push for a management procedure for bigeye tuna at an upcoming commission meeting.

The FFA said if it is adopted, the bigeye tuna measure would be the Commission's first management procedure covering both purse seine and longline fisheries.

The FFA said its members are seeking a balanced approach that protects bigeye tuna while recognising the economic interests of Pacific Island countries, and ensuring that conservation responsibilities are shared more fairly between the two fishing methods.

The 23rd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC23) will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, starting 30 November.

West Papua

Indonesia's Minister of Human Rights has voiced concern over revelations that President Prabowo has allegedly had his phone wiretapped by high-ranking police officers.

Natalius Pigai, who is a Papuan, said the alleged activity is a serious problem that threatens human rights, defense, and state security.

Three police generals have been detained on suspicion of illegally tapping the phones of Indonesia's president and other state officials.

Police allege the wire-tapping took place between 2025 and 2026.

Detik News reported Pigai describing it as an act of treason, saying a thorough investigation is required

He said wiretapping of the President's communications has the potential to endanger national security and disrupt the administration of government.

Vanuatu

Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo says the government is investing millions of vatu in airport upgrades to boost air connectivity.

Pacnews reported the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) agreed to sign a new agreement with Fiji for flights to Santo and Tanna.

Six-hundred million vatu (approx. NZ$8.76m) will also go toward repairs at Whitegrass Airport on Tanna, and Norsup Airport in Malekula will be fully tar-sealed early next year.

Studies are also underway for upgrades to Pekoa Airport on Santo and Mota Lava airport in Torba province.