In 1971, Papua New Guinea had not yet fully achieved independence. At that time, the territory was gradually moving from Australian trusteeship toward establishing its own national identity. Independence was not merely a matter of political autonomy; it also required national symbols—an anthem, a coat of arms, and a flag. Among these, the national flag, a banner that would fly around the world, needed to embody the soul of the country.
Against this backdrop, the PNG government announced a public competition to design the national flag. The news inspired countless designers, artists, and ordinary citizens to pick up their brushes, hoping their designs would become a part of history. Yet no one expected that the final selection would come not from experienced artists, but from a fifteen-year-old girl named Susan Karike.
Susan was born in a family in central Papua New Guinea and received a Catholic education. She attended the Sacred Heart School in Port Moresby. Quiet by nature, she possessed an acute sensitivity to color and pattern. Her childhood was modest, yet deeply influenced by tribal culture. She had seen elders paint masks, weave grass skirts, and carve totems—the vibrant colors and unique motifs were etched in her memory.
When Susan learned of the flag design competition, she did not see herself as a contender. She simply felt it was an opportunity to express her thoughts. She recalled the face painting of her people and the striking contrast of red and black—colors found throughout PNG’s tribal cultures. She also thought of the birds-of-paradise soaring high above the forests she had explored as a child. In that moment, she realized that the bird-of-paradise symbolized freedom, and a nation, she believed, needed freedom.
Susan picked up her pen and paper and created a simple yet powerful design. The flag was diagonally divided: one half black, the other red. On the black field were the white stars of the Southern Cross constellation—visible in the Southern Hemisphere, representing PNG’s geographic location and its connection with other Pacific nations. On the red field was a golden bird-of-paradise, wings outstretched. She avoided excessive symbols, choosing instead the most representative elements of Papua New Guinea: traditional colors, the Southern Cross, and the national bird.
When she submitted her design, few could have predicted that it would be selected. Initially, the PNG government had leaned toward a “blue field with emblem” flag designed by Australian advisors—a design resembling other Commonwealth nations’ flags. Though formal, it lacked local identity. Many citizens felt such a flag was too colonial and could not truly represent them.
Susan’s design quickly gained attention after submission. Its simplicity, bold contrast, and cultural roots prompted increasing support from legislators and society, leading to widespread calls for adoption.
Ultimately, on July 1, 1971, the Papua New Guinea Parliament officially approved Susan’s design as the national flag. She was only fifteen years old.
For Susan, it was an almost unbelievable experience. She was an ordinary student whose name would forever be written into the nation’s history. She later reflected: “I just hope that when people see this flag, they will feel proud. This is our flag.”
From that day, the flag became a symbol of Papua New Guinea’s independence and unity. The black and red colors represent tribal traditions while symbolizing resilience and solidarity. The Southern Cross guides PNG in the Southern Hemisphere, reminding people of their shared destiny with other Pacific nations. The bird-of-paradise offers the most vivid meaning: the young nation, like the bird, spreads its wings toward freedom and the future.
Susan Karike’s life did not become lavish because of the flag. She later married, becoming Susan Karike Huhume, and lived an ordinary life. Yet her contribution is irreplaceable. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 61, and the nation mourned her passing. Many said, “She was not only an artist but also a creator of the nation’s memory.”
Today, as the flag rises during Independence Day celebrations, countless Papua New Guineans remember Susan Karike. Her story shows the world that a national symbol does not always emerge from centers of power—it can come from a fifteen-year-old girl with a pure and determined heart.
