As a young boy, Hon. Job Pomat, once watched his father campaign tirelessly for a political seat he would never win. He would grow up to not only win that seat but to ascend to one of the highest political offices in Papua New Guinea: Speaker of the National Parliament.

From humble beginnings in the remote village of Rossun, Job Pomat’s story is one of quiet resolve, unwavering faith, and someone who has become a leader, to a community, and to a country in search of stability and voice.

The Father’s Footsteps

Job Pomat was born into a family deeply rooted in community service. His father, Peter Pomat, was a respected village chief and a devout Seventh-day Adventist missionary. Peter Pomat was a man of vision and principle, making several unsuccessful bids for political office during PNG’s early post-colonial years. Job, the eldest son, watched these campaigns unfold from the sidelines. When his father finally stepped away from politics, Job felt a calling to fulfil a mission that remained unfinished.

“I wanted to make it right for my father, for our people,” he told The National in a rare personal interview. “He paved the way.”

Faith and Family

A devoted Seventh-day Adventist, Pomat’s faith is a quiet but steady influence on his political demeanor. He and his wife are proud parents of five children.

From Technician to Parliamentarian

Job Pomat’s journey was neither immediate nor predictable. After leaving school early, he then worked as a technician, later entering local government in Manus where he served two terms, once as Speaker of the Manus Provincial Assembly, and then as Deputy Governor. In 2007, Pomat stepped into national politics, winning the Manus Open seat under the People’s National Congress (PNC) banner. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various ministerial portfolios, including Inter-Government Relations and Fisheries. But politics is never linear in PNG. He lost his seat in 2012, only to reclaim it five years later. That comeback would change his life.

Steward of the Sea: Job Pomat’s Time as Fisheries Minister

During his time as Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Pomat was under the People’s National Congress-led government. In this role, he oversaw one of Papua New Guinea’s most economically and environmentally strategic sectors: the fisheries industry, a vital lifeline for coastal livelihoods and a multibillion-kina contributor to the national economy.

For an islander from Manus Province, the sea was not just a resource, it was a heritage. Hon. Pomat brought this understanding to the Ministry, advocating not only for economic growth, but for marine stewardship, local empowerment, and regional sovereignty in the face of increasing foreign exploitation.