The Office of the Chief Secretary to Government on behalf of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council staff conveys our deepest sympathies to the immediate family, relatives, the staff and management of the Papindo Group of Companies on the sudden death of the Founder, the Late Sir Soekandar Tjandra, KBE.

Our heartfelt condolences to his children and wife, Lady Susan, on the loss of their father, husband, and grandfather during their time of bereavement. We share your sorrow in your time of great loss.

The National Government during this time of mourning values and honors the hardships the Papindo Group of Companies has gone through to be what it is today. The single most important symbol of the deep bilateral relationship between his country of origin, Indonesia, and his adopted country, Papua New Guinea.

Late Sir Tjandra and his wife started from humble beginnings with a single shop in Lae, Morobe Province in 1974, and has grown to be a significant business empire in Papua New Guinea.

Sir Tjandra was a real down to earth people’s man. He was a philanthropist and gave more to the communities. He served with high value and distinction. He was a generous man. He created jobs and helped entire families as a family business with branches in 17 of the country’s 19 provinces.

This significant presence provides the much-needed goods and service, provides needed employment to Papua New Guineans, and provides the market conduit for crops such as vanilla. Its hospitality division has created a medium level hotel brand and gives wide-ranging options for business and leisure travels.

Sir Tjandra’s death is a great loss for our country, Papua New Guinea, but his values and legacy will live on in the Papindo Group of Companies. He is a champion for the national business community and a stalwart of Lae City.

I want to say a big thank you to the family of the Late Sir Tjandra and Papindo Group of Companies for its valued contributions to the country over the last 50 plus years. We salute you at your passing.

The good Lord gives and takes. May that same Lord give comfort to the family and the staff.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Authorized by:

IVAN POMALEU, OBE

Chief Secretary