Embassy of Japan Hosted Successful Press Tour in Auki, Malaita Province

From 18^th to 20^th 2026, the Embassy of Japan in the Solomon Islands organized a comprehensive Press Tour in Auki, Malaita Province. This initiative, part of Japan's ongoing commitment to development cooperation in Solomon Islands, welcomed four journalists from the nation's leading newspaper and television outlets to witness firsthand the tangible results of the Japan-Solomon Islands partnership.
 
The tour was designed to provide the local media with direct access to Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) sites. By facilitating on-site inspections and interviews, the Embassy aimed to:

• Deepen understanding of the long-term impact of Japan’s contributions.
• Enhance public awareness of the diverse projects supporting the people of Malaita.
• Foster stronger ties between the Government of Japan, local authorities, and the citizens of the Solomon Islands.

A Journey Through Development: Key Site Visits

The delegation visited a wide range of projects, spanning infrastructure, healthcare, and sustainable resource management. Click each link to open the detailed page of the visit.
 

• Kilu’ufi Hospital Inspection (Day 1)
• Grass-Roots Human Security Project: Ambulance Handover Ceremony (Day 1)
• Auki Market and Jetty Inspection (Day 1)
• Courtesy Call to the Premier and Provincial Secretary of Malaita (Day 1)
• Interlocking Block Paving (IBP) Project (Day 1)
• Falake Forest Resource Management Project (Day 2)
• JOCV Site Visit: Auki Primary School (Day 3)

Meaningful Engagement

The tour was more than just a site visit; it was a platform for dialogue. Journalists held in-depth interviews with project managers and beneficiaries at every stop. The Embassy also hosted a working lunch, providing a convivial atmosphere for the press and officials to exchange views on the future of development in the Solomon Islands.
 

Media Highlights: Spreading the Word

The tour resulted in extensive and positive coverage across all major media platforms, bringing the stories of Malaitan progress to the national stage:
 

• Island Sun:

・Print Article:"Japanese Embassy Hands Over Ambulance to Fauabu RHC" (Feb 19)
・Web Article:"Japanese Embassy Hands Over Ambulance to Fauabu RHC" (Feb 19)

・Print Article:"Japan Funded Project Creates Opportunities for Falake Community"(Feb 24)
・Web Article:"Japan Funded Project Creates Opportunities for Falake Community"(Feb 24)

・Print Article:"PS acknowledges Japanese govt for construction of Kilu'ufi Hospital"(Feb.26)

・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DfoLXGLQB/(Feb.18)
・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/181zQewaPD/(Feb.18)
 

• Solomon Star:

・Print Article:"Japan-Funded Projects Deliver Real Benefits to Malaita Communities"(Feb.21)

・Print Article:"Malaita Premier Proposes New Domestic Seaport Terminal for Auki"(Feb.21)

・Print Article:"New Japanese-Funded Ambulance Brings Hope to Fauabu Community"(Feb.21)

・Print Article:"Falake Community Leads in Forest Conservation Through Japanese Partnership"(Feb.24)

・Print Article:"$120M Japan-Funded Kilu’ufi Upgrade Poised to Transform Health Services in Malaita"(Feb.25)


 

• SIBC (National Broadcaster): Detailed video segments featured in the nightly news on Feb 18, 19, and 20.

・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18G73q2WET/(Feb.18)
・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B5eAX5f38/(Feb.19)
・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ELenbHjeJ/(Feb.20)
 

• Tavuli News 

・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KZwHvxafT/(Feb.21)
・Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18FLyJDsLt/(Feb.23)