Photo: Whens Tebay
West Papua - police raid
Indonesian police have arrested 22 people in West Papua in a raid on two houses they say armed separatists were hiding in.
Papua Police chief, Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri, confirmed that the team raided the house in Dekai in Yahukimo District at 3am local time
As well as arresting 22 people, police confiscated sharp weapons, traditional weapons, and air rifles.
The arrested suspects include four students, two university students, and three kampong heads.
Fiji - aid ship
A Youth With A Mission (YWAM} ship is bringing free dental and eye care to islands around the main island of Fiji.
The M/V YWAM Koha left Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand on Friday.
"All of this has been funded privately through donations from businesses, churches and individuals," said YWAM Managing Director Marty Emmett.
"It's a koha from the people of New Zealand to the people of Fiji to make life a little better for those less fortunate than ourselves."
Tonga/Australia - health
Australia's Government has committed $AU10 million towards supporting Tonga's health system.
A signing has been held in Nuku'alofa, between Australia's High Commissioner Rachael Moore and Tonga's Health Minister Saia Piukala.
Piukala said the assistance will fund outer island outreach missions and a renovation of Tonga's second largest health centre in Mu'a.
It's the latest of a number of deals between the countries providing substantial funding.
Samoa - flooding
Homes in a Samoan village have been damaged by flooding.
Heavy rain caused a natural spring to flood on Apolima Island.
The Samoa Observer reports the flooding destroyed an unused jetty at the island's only ocean access.
The flooding caused damage to homes in the path of the flood, but no injuries were reported.
Apolima Island is located 44km west of Apia, between the main islands of Upolu and Savai'i.
Tonga - telco dispute
A legal battle between the Tongan Government and broadband company Kacific has ended.
A joint media statement said a settlement had been reached between both parties, but did not reveal any details of the agreement.
The case had reportedly been in arbitration since 2021, when Tonga's state-owned Tonga Satellite did not honour a $US5.7 million deal with Kacific to provide satellite services.
Tonga's Government said Tonga Satellite entered into the contract without Cabinet approval.
Samoa - Chile
Chile's new ambassador to Samoa, Ignacio Chavez, has presented his credentials in Apia.
They were received by Samoa's Head of State Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II.
Chavez told the Head of State that Chile shares geographical and cultural aspects with the Pacific Islands, particularly through its Polynesian outlier of Rapa Nui or Easter Island.
"Our country shared many similarities despite the long distances. Chile is a country that shares strong social and cultural connections with the Pacific region. Chile's interests in the Pacific responds to a geographical calling which is more than 8,000km of coastline."
Hawaii - talent show
An 18-year-old Hawaiian of Tongan heritage, Iam Tongi, has made it to the final three of one the world's most popular TV shows, American Idol.
Tongi was one of ten finalists vying for the last stage of the competition yesterday.
American Idol Judges praised Tongi who has garnered widespread support since making his debut on the show three months ago.
The grand final takes place next week in Hollywood with the winner determined by vote counts made via online, by mobile text or app.