PNG at 50: The 1980 Vanuatu Rebellion and Sir Julius Chan’s Bold Call

A Nation’s Moment to Lead

In the heart of the Pacific, in the year 1980, Papua New Guinea stood at a crossroads. A young nation, barely five years into its independence, was suddenly thrust onto the international stage—not through diplomacy, but through military intervention. It was an unexpected test of courage, leadership, and strategic foresight. At the centre of this historic moment stood two men: Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan and Brigadier General Ted Diro, the then-Commander of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF).

The crisis erupted in the newly independent Republic of Vanuatu, where Jimmy Stevens, a local leader in Santo, declared a rebellion, backed by foreign influences, including French settlers and mercenaries. As chaos loomed, the Vanuatu government turned to its Pacific neighbours for help. Australia and New Zealand hesitated, but one leader did not—Sir Julius Chan.

A Decisive Order

Sir Julius, known for his sharp political instincts and unwavering resolve, made a bold decision. Against all odds, he ordered PNG troops into action. It was a defining moment—not only for his leadership but for the young PNGDF, which had never before engaged in an overseas mission.

"Julius Chan gave us an order and instructions not to bring any dead bodies back to Jackson's airport because that would end his political career," recalled Brigadier General Ted Diro. "So we had to be precise, we had to be disciplined, and we had to make sure that every move we made was calculated."

Diro and his men took the challenge head-on. The mission required more than brute force—it needed intelligence, strategy, and an unbreakable will. Every night, they trained for night combat, adopting Israeli military doctrines where officers led from the front. "Officers had to go first. That was the rule," said Diro. "It was not a position for the fainthearted. You led with your body and soul."

Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro

Click to watch the full video interview with Retired Brigadier General Ted Diro

Only the most capable marksmen were selected, those who could, as Diro put it, “shoot and kill a mutmut (bandicoot) in the dark.” This level of precision and readiness was key to the success of the operation.

The Battle for Santo

The PNGDF’s strategy was swift and surgical. Troops landed under the cover of darkness, taking key infrastructure points such as the airport, water supply, and electricity stations. When rebels—comprising French settlers and local militia—attacked under the assumption that the PNGDF would be unprepared, they were met with overwhelming force.

One night, as French rebels launched an assault, the well-trained PNGDF soldiers fought back ferociously. "It was according to our plan that the enemy was attacking at nighttime, and we dealt with them severely," Diro explained. "One of them was carrying a torch, and in panic, he didn’t switch it off. So they shot him in the arm. That was the moment they knew they had lost."

Within hours, the rebellion’s backbone was broken. Panic spread among the rebels, who likened the PNGDF to Muhammad Ali facing unprepared amateurs in the boxing ring. The next day, French planes evacuated their families, signaling the beginning of the end for the rebellion.

The final blow came when rebel leader Jimmy Stevens’ son, Eddie Stevens, attempted to charge a PNGDF roadblock but was neutralised by Lieutenant Don Bowie. "They put a banana truck blockage on the road," Diro recalled. "When Eddie Stevens tried to jump it, Don Bowie fired an anti-tank grenade into the vehicle. That was the end of it. That was when Jimmy Stevens gave up. He said, ‘I can’t beat Papua New Guinea.’"

The Triumph of Leadership and Unity

The success of the operation wasn’t just about military prowess; it was about leadership. Diro credited the victory to Sir Julius Chan’s unwavering support: “You put the nation on a war footing… Julius Chan did that. He stopped all the projects. He stopped all the funding of unnecessary diversionary projects and concentrated on the war.”

Sir Julius had seen the bigger picture—Vanuatu’s stability was essential for regional peace, and PNG’s intervention would establish it as a formidable force in the Pacific. His decision was a masterclass in bold leadership, proving that a small nation could stand tall among giants.

Even the logistics of the mission demonstrated PNG’s strategic planning. "We transported all our equipment under the pretense of going for the Independence Day celebrations," Diro said. "The guns were there in situ, ready for us to pick up if needed. We were prepared for every scenario."

A Legacy of Strength

Forty-four years later, the 1980 Vanuatu mission remains one of PNG’s proudest military moments. It showcased the professionalism and effectiveness of the PNGDF, but more importantly, it underscored the vision and courage of Sir Julius Chan.

As Brigadier General Ted Diro reflected at Sir Julius’s recent passing, his voice was filled with emotion. “Sir Julius was a deep thinker and strategist. He didn’t pass over issues lightly. He was like a military man in his own right.”

Diro recalled the moment he was summoned to Kiribati, where Sir Julius was attending the South Pacific Conference. “I didn’t want to go at first. I thought, ‘I’m not his bag carrier.’ But then I realised—he wanted my advice. That’s when I knew something serious was happening. When he told me about Vanuatu, I knew we had to act.”

The intervention in Vanuatu was not just a military operation; it was a statement. It was proof that PNG was ready to defend peace and democracy in the Pacific. It was a moment when a young nation, led by an astute statesman and a fearless commander, stood up and made history.

Today, as PNG reflects on its 50 years of independence, this story remains a testament to what the country is capable of when leadership, courage, and conviction come together. It is a reminder that in moments of crisis, bold decisions define a nation’s legacy.