Solan Mirisim

Solan Mirisim (October 9, 1978 – December 1, 2025) was a Papua New Guinean politician and businessman who served as the Minister of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from 2017 to 2019. And again from 2020 until his suspension in 2021. After his suspension, he served as the Minister of Department of Works and Highways from 2022 until his death.

Early life and education Solan was born on October 9, 1978 in Telefomin, West Sepik. He went to Telefomin Primary School and Telefomin High School before going to Lae and being educated at Lae Business College. He earned a certificate in Business Management.

Political career Solan began his political career when he was first affiliated with the People's National Congress Party (PNC) during the 2012 Papua New Guinean general election, where he received over 7,000 votes.

During the 2017 Papua New Guinean general election, he represented as a PNC candidate. He later switched to the Pangu Pati sometime before the 2022 Papua New Guinean general election, where he represented the Telefomin district. Prior to his resignation, rumors about him resigning in April 2019 were claimed to be debunked. Claiming social media stories were fake.

He later served again from December 2020 until June 2021 when he was suspended from his duties due to files revealing allegations of misconduct within office. He also was fined K500 for misinformation regarding his wife and children.

Following his suspension, he was appointed the Minister for Forestry until 2022 when he was appointed the Minister for Works and Highways by the Marape Government, and served from there.

Foreign relations Solan has maintained foreign relations with multiple nations. In May 2018, he went on a courtesy call with Japanese ambassador Satoshi Nakajima, where they had discussed mutual interests and cooperation within engineering. In July 2018, he met the Chinese Defense Force Commander Gilbert Toropo and visited medical institutions. In October 2024, Chinese ambassador Yang Xiaoguang met with Solan and discussed promoting stronger synergy along with deeping and improving practical cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea.

Personal life and death Solan has reported to have a wife along with several children including a daughter named Zollah Mirisim, who is 22 years old.

Solan died in Port Moresby on December 1, 2025, after being rushed to the Port Moresby International Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was 47. The cause of death was speculated to be an illness he had developed prior.

A funeral service was held at Siomi Kami Church in Port Moresby on December 15, where he was laid in the Grand Hall of the National Parliament. He was then flown to his birthplace Telefomin, where he was buried there. He was succeeded by Peter Tsiamalili Jnr.

Reactions Several tributes were paid at Solan's funeral. Some made social media posts regarding Solan's death. He visited his funeral and later delivered a speech. He later renamed a highway from Tabubil to Telefomin as the Mirisim Highway in memorial of him. The Governor of West Sepik Tony Wouwou gave his condolonces. Stating that he had “integrity, humility, and dedication to his people”. Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah criticized people against Solan, and paid tributes.

International reactions The U.S Embassy in Papua New Guinea posted a social media post giving their condolences. The RNZ marked Solan's death as one of the "unusual and destabilising periods" in the history of Papua New Guinea. The Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ewen McDonald made a social media post regarding the death and gave their condolences.