In a remote and near-forgotten corner of Papua New Guinea, the community of Sisamin has now started to see change. We talked to passenger Mekat Mathias, who testifies to the transformation that MAF is bringing through flights, faith, and education.
Story by Mandy Glass
“It’s a miracle that God has sent MAF to serve these remotest parts,” says Mr Mekat Mathias from Oksapmin, a seasoned primary school teacher.
Mr Mathias is only minutes from boarding the MAF plane to fly from Telefomin to Sisamin to resume his work at the school.
Located on the Ok Om River and close to the borders of East Sepik, West Sepik, Hela and Enga Provinces, Sisamin is indeed isolated.
Sisamin was like the ‘back page’ of Papua New Guinea, but since the late 60s, things have started to change because MAF has brought services there.
“Now, Sisamin is gradually transforming – attitudes are changing.
“Many students are getting an education, and they’re beginning to see themselves as part of the rest of Papua New Guinea. Before, they were lost in the jungle, but now they are truly happy,” says Mr Mathias.
“Most are educated and are Christians. Their values are very high, and there are now different types of churches in the area—Baptist, Revival, SDA. It’s something worth promoting, because real change is happening.”
Where Mr Mathias teaches, there are no roads.
“There is no sea transport, no road, no car. It is in the remotest part,” he says. “If I walk from Telefomin to Sisamin, it will take us almost one week. Now we just fly—only minutes.”
That 35-minute flight is essential for the effectiveness of the school.
“Sisamin is a flying school,” Mr Mathias says. “There are no other planes—only MAF that serves us. They fly teachers, deliver school materials. Like today, I’m traveling.”
In his early fifties, Mr Mathias says teaching keeps him sharp.
“It promotes my education. I’m still speaking English because I’m still active in classrooms. When I explain things, the students understand. In my 25 years of teaching, more than 50 of my students have graduated and become lawyers, pilots, and the like.”
Having lived and worked in remote mountain areas, Mr Mathias speaks from experience and deep gratitude.
“I’m very happy and privileged to promote MAF, which has been in Papua New Guinea for more than 70 years. They reach remote areas that other airlines can't. We truly appreciate MAF for helping – especially for transporting sick patients to health centres to receive treatment and be healed,” he says.
“It’s very rugged in Papua New Guinea. The rate of mothers dying in rural places is very high. If MAF didn’t come, I believe the population of Papua New Guinea might have decreased—particularly among mothers giving birth in remote areas.
“When it comes to services—health, education—MAF is the one promoting and providing these. They reach places where no other airline can make it through.”
Mr Mathias ends with a heartfelt plea:
“Please don’t let us down. Especially in serving the remotest part of Papua New Guinea.”
