Historic Partnership Sealed: Madang & Poplar, USA Now Sister Cities.
Madang has officially signed a sister-city partnership with Poplar, Wisconsin, USA creating a bond rooted in historical ties dating back to World War II.
The agreement was signed this week by Village Board Member Kory Gilderman of Poplar and Daniel Aloi, the Madang Acting Provincial Administration. It paves the way for deeper collaboration in education, cultural programs, and future exchanges, aiming to boost opportunities and mutual understanding between the two communities.
This historic partnership follows the remarkable story of top American pilot Major Richard Bong, who flew hundreds of missions over Papua New Guinea during WWII. Bong’s P-38 aircraft crash-landed in the jungles of Madang Province. In 2024, Bong’s plane was discovered, rekindling connections and inspiring this formal partnership.
A proud moment for Madang as it looks to honor the past while building meaningful global ties for the future.
