ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the case of the Bougainville crisis and the international response, where the intervention was tailored to capitalize on reconciliatory features that had already emerged in indigenous efforts to stem the violence. An exchange of notes between Germany and Britain meant that Bougainville and Buka were allocated as part of the German sphere of influence. By the advent of World War II Christianity was firmly entrenched in Bougainville. Another expression of Bougainvilleans deeply felt disaffection with Australian administration occurred when a United Nations mission visited Kieta. From the outset the prosecution of an armed rebellion had not been universally supported across Bougainville. The classic essential stakeholders in restorative justice, victim, offender and community, are almost invariably part of reconciliation ceremonies in Bougainville. Certainly the biggest contribution in personnel, equipment and finance was provided by Australia but it was firmly recognized that the peace was owned by the Bougainvilleans.
