Kohatu Isles
Realm of the Kohatu Isles Nga Motuere Kohatu OAN | |
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 Flag of the Kohatu Isles
 Coat of arms
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 Political map of the Kohatu Isles | |
| Location | Map |
| Capital | Malachite City |
| Official languages | Kōhatuan language |
| Ethnic groups (2016) | Kohatuan (87%) Oan (8%) Jus (4%) Other (1%) |
| Demonym(s) | Kōhatuan |
| Government | parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy |
| Oahoanu | |
• Chief Minister | Opal Lazuli |
| Legislature | Kōhatuan National Assembly |
| Establishment | |
• Treaty of Pounamupa | 29 October 2017 |
• Constitution of the Kohatu Isles | 17 July 2021 |
| Area | |
• Total | 14,833 km2 (5,727 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2021 estimate | 3869800 |
• 2018 census | 3,507,000 |
• Density | 260.89/km2 (675.7/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | 94,652,250,000 KRB |
• Per capita | 24,459.21 KRB |
| Gini (2021) | 40 medium |
| SDI ((n/a)) | 0.72 high |
| Currency | Kirib (KRB) |
| Date format | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Driving side | the left |
| ISO 3166 code | KHT |
| Internet TLD | .oan |
The Realm of the Kohatu Isles (also known as the Kohatu Isles or Gemica) is a dependent island territory of The Oan Isles in the Strathepole Archipelago. It lies to the south of East Malaysia, west of the East Gemica Islands and east of Jusdelva. The Morstaybishlian Sea lies to the south.
The islands were inhabited by the Kōhatuan people, a branch of the West Polynesian family for hundreds of years. They share a close ancestry and relationship with the other people of Polynesia. They share similar religious beliefs and a language, the Kōhatuan language (the official language).
Although dependent on The Oan Isles for external matters such as defence and diplomacy, the government maintains autonomy over most internal affairs. A thriving multiparty democracy arose after the liberation of Kohatu Isles from a single-party state by the Oan government and the National Liberation Movement.
Blessed with an abundance of petroleum under the earth, precious and semi-precious stones, mining plays a large part in the economy. New resources have brought greater wealth, peace and freedom for the people of Kohatu. Unfortunately, the country grapples with corruption, inefficiency in the civil services, and issues with skilled labour.
History
Great Arrival
Before circa 1000 CE (1 BU), the Kohatu Isles were uninhabited. But when Ahua the Great became the Rangitanga-a-te-Moana of the Oan Isles, he purged that nation of adherents of folk religions. The introduction of Thaerism and the persecution of traditional folk religions, drove ardent adherents to seek a better life elsewhere. Thus, South West Pacific Islanders in the territory that eventually fell under rule of Ahua the Great and became part of the Oan Isles began migrating to the uninhabited Strathepole Archipelago straddling the Morstaybishlian Sea and Caven Sea including the Kohatu Isles.
Mauist Schism
In the Oan Isles, Traditional Thaerism was persecuted and pushed out in favour of Mauism. The rise of Mauism led to missionaries from the Oan Isles going to the Strathepole Archipelago to proliferate its message. The people in these islands having cultivated unique identities (such as the Jūs of Jusdelva and the Kohatuans of the Kohatu Isles and East Gemica) received Mauism enthusiastically because it preserved their folk beliefs and rituals.
Strathepolic Expansion
In 1501, Aotearoa the Great became the Rangitanga-a-te-Moana. He began expanding the territory of the Oan Isles beyond the South West Pacific Islands. Under his reign, the Oan Isles formally invaded and started a settler colony on the Strathepole Islands that today make up Jusdelva, the Kohatu Isles and East Gemica. These islands were inhabited intermittently by the Jùs and Kohatuan nations and frequented by bandits and pirates hiding from the law.
In 1503, the first Oan sailors reached the island of Jusdelva and proclaimed that they would be settled by the Oans and become part of the Oan Isles. By 1521, the Oans had spread to East Gemica (part of modern day Peregrinia). They away the pirates and subjugated the native Jùs and Kohatuans people. Because of cultural and historic similarities and ethnic intermixing, the Oan settlers became assimilated into Jùs and Kohatuans culture. Although Peregrinia and the Kingdoms on Aurora were uncomfortable, they recognised Oan rule after signing the Treaty of Manaatu, furthermore they saw Oan rule as helpful in the fight against piracy.
Strathepolic Wars
Aotearoa the Great was succeeded by Rotorua IV. Prince Whakore felt snubbed and wanted more prominence. When Rotorua IV failed to show him the respect he imagined he deserved, he fled to Jusdelva and started an independence movement. His forces started a war in 1578. Although he died in battle in 1579, his generals declared independence. After being defeated at the Battle of Akatepa, the Oan Isles renounced its rule over the islands and retreated to its home territory.
The islands became a free for all where strong men grabbed territory for themselves. The chaos and disorder led to the destruction of the institutions that the Oan government had erected there. The islands became a hive of criminal activity including piracy. With their maritime trade being disrupted by pirates and criminals fleeing from Justice, surrounding nations decided to act. Thus, in 1604, the Kingdom of Morstaybishlia invaded and annexed Jusdelva during the Morsto-Jusdelvic Wars. East Gemica fell to Peregrinia in 1606. Codex took over the Kohatu Isles in 1607.
Kohatu War
The Kōhatu Isles (also known as Gemica in Staynish) are a small group of islands south of East Malaysia. They were ruled by a dictatorial one party state called the Diamond Authority (Ka Mana Daimana). The National Liberation Movement (Ka lahui ho'okuu lahui) had organised workshops, boycotts, protests and distributed pamphlets in opposition to the state, but it operated in secrecy and had little impact. After being invited by one of its leaders, Moissanite, Lazuli (Palauokole), a miner, organised a protest in a mine in Agate City ( 'Eka kai), that gained international attention after being seen by Oan investors who went to visit.
Emboldened by Lazuli's actions, the NLM organised protests and propaganda throughout the country, culminating in a protests in front of the main government building in which people burnt their identity books and proclaimed their support of the Oan Isles. They were met with repression by the state which downgraded diplomatic relations with the Oan Isles. The Oans decided to provide support to the NLM. Together with NLM members, they entreated Opal (Papa), Lazuli's wife, to be the face of the revolution. After destroying her home fleeing to the autonomous Jewelica Island, she agreed.
After cyclone Mable, the Oans offered disaster relief and humanitarian aid. Shortly after the cyclone passed, the NLM led protests in Peridot City on Jewelica Island. Oan soldiers were present officially as observers. The Diamond Authority sent troops and fired live ammunition at the crowd. This precipitated a military response from the Oan Isles expelled Gemican forces from Jewelica and placed the island under military occupation. Given questions around how the invasion was carried out, the Cabinet suspended Locklyn Le Roy as Prime Minister, placing Sylvia Anāute as the acting Prime Minister.
The government stopped the invasion, placed Jewelica under a quarantine and sent military advisers to train the NLM in light of a plan by NLM leader, Sapphire Sardonyx, to turn the NLM into a military force. The government entered into negotiations with the Jewelican Free State to allow the Oan Isles to annex Jewelica. Negotiations broke down after the Diamond Authority conducted air strikes that killed 140 people. The Oan air force retaliated with air strikes on the JFS main building with Gemican forces in Jewelica surrendering to the NLM. NLM occupied and took over the island. The Oan government and the NLM agreed that Jewelica would become an autonomous overseas territory of the Oan Isles.
Princess Consort Aroha and other notable Oan women organised a conference on women empowerment in Jewelica as part of a broad program to integrate Jewelica into Oan political and economic life. The Oan Isles built a military base on island. It declared war on Gemica. Soon after, Gemica was blockaded and broader sanctions were imposed.
Gemica broke its agreement to treat political prisoners humanely when it abandoned the prison in which Lazuli and others were being held. This formed the pretext for a full-scale invasion. During a night attack, they first captured the prison and freed political prisoners. They attacked Gemican forces stationed in villages and towns. After a night of operations, the Diamond Authority capitulated and Gemica was integrated into the Jewelica overseas territory as the Overseas Territory of the Kōhatu Isles.
In the aftermath of the War, the Oan Isles and East Malaysia agreed on joint oil and natural gas exploration in the Caven Sea around and near the Kōhatu Isles and East Gemica Islands (which were part of the territory of East Malaysia). They established a joint venture. The economic fruits of this discovery were so vast that the Oan GDP per capita increased from 34000 KRB to 40000 KRB in just two years.
Geography
The area of the Kohatu Isles comprises 3 islands spanning approximately 14,833 square kilometres. The largest of which is Gemica, followed in size by Stonica then Jewelica. The country lies between the Caven and Morstaybishlian Seas. As an island nation, it has a large exclusive economic zone over waters many times the size of its land territory.
The islands generally have a low lying topography. The highest mountain is only 670 metres above sea level. Despite which, the inland terrain has a hilly topography. The coastal areas are low lying and covered with white sandy beaches. On the coasts, salt water mangrove forests thrive, the largest of which are on Gemica island. In land forests are mostly tropical boreal forests.
Climate
The country has a tropical monsoon climate. It is warm and rainy for much of the year. During the monsoon season, rains increase dramatically. Many areas are prone to flooding during this time. During the dry season, precipitation drops considerably. Temperatures remain consistent during the year, due to the balancing effect of warm water currents from the Aequator and cool water currents from the Antarctic.
Biodiversity
The islands have a reasonably high level of biodiversity, given their size. Many species of birds rest here on their way to and from the warmer and colder regions further north and further south in their annual migration. The forests and wetlands provide food and shelter to thousands of migratory bird species. In contrast, the islands have a dearth of mammalian life, most of which are agricultural animals like kūri dogs, cattle and horses, introduced over centuries by humans for consumption and labour.
Politics
The politics of the Kohatu Isles take place in the framework of a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution of the Kohatu Isles (Oan: Kaupapa Ture o Nga Motuere Kohatu) is the supreme law of the Kohatu Isles. It sets up the structure of the government and protects the fundamental rights of the people. However, the constitution explicitly gives the government of the Oan Isles various responsibilities and roles in Kohatuan political life which de facto makes the Kohatu Isles a dependent territory of the Oan Isles.
The Oan Isles has tried to project the image that the Kohatu Isles is an independent nation that forms part of a greater Polynesian civilisation that the Oan Isles is a leader of (such as including it as a member state of the Polynesian Union), but international customary law recognizes the Kohatu Isles as a dependant territory. Part of this is a ploy to showcase Polynesia as a unique multi-cultural and multi-national civilisation that implicitly includes Polynesian people in Jusdelva, Lapimuhyo and the Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories.
The Oan Isles is responsible for monetary policy (a power it ceded to the Auroran Central Bank upon accepting the Kirib as its official currency), intelligence, trade policy, foreign policy (thereby making the Kohatu Isles a default member of treaties and organizations in which it joins), judiciary and defence. The Oan Isles shares powers such as civil service reform, natural resource management, law enforcement, and taxation and budget with the government of the Kohatu Isles. The government of the Kohatu Isles has exclusive responsibility for urban development planning, housing, agriculture, environmental conservation, historic landmarks, culture, social services, healthcare, education, sports and recreation, telecommunications, transport and electricity among many others.
The Rangitanga-a-te-Moana currently His Serene Majesty, Oahoanu is the head of state of the Kohatu Isles. He exercises various ceremonial duties such as appointing the Chief Minister (Minita Nui) and Cabinet (Kapinere), signing laws, opening sessions of and dissolving the Kohatu Legislative Assembly (Huihuinga Ture o Motuere Kohatu), bestowing titles and chivalric orders, granting pardons, and representing the Kohatu Isles abroad. The Emperor resides in Malachite Palace when in the Kohatu Isles. The Oan government covers all costs relating to the Emperor.
The head of government is the Chief Minister (who is the Chairperson of the Cabinet). She controls and directs the work of the Cabinet, advises the Emperor on the exercise of his powers with respect to Kohatuan matters, and represents the Kohatuan government. The Cabinet is the highest policy formation and decision-making body of the executive branch. It consists of Ministers who oversee departments and government agencies. The Cabinet meets once a week at the Kohatuan Government House to discuss and vote on various issues. The Cabinet is currently led by Opal Lazuli, leader of the Kohatu Social Democratic Party and former leader of the Kohatu National Liberation Front.
The Kohatu Legislative Assembly is responsible for passing laws, and holding the executive branch accountable. It has the power to pass a motion of no-confidence calling for the Cabinet to resign. The leader of the largest political party becomes the Chief Minister unless a motion of no-confidence is passed. In which case, the Chief Minister can either resign with the rest of the Cabinet or ask the Emperor to dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh elections. It is the sole law-making body of the Kohatu Isles and much of its work is done in committees.
The judiciary of the Kohatu Isles is part of the judiciary of the Oan Isles. The country has Magistrate Courts which are responsible for civil and criminal trials. There are traditional court led by nobles that arbitrate rural and cultural issues. Military courts are responsible for the discipline of members of the Oan Defence Forces who are garrisoned in the Kohatu Isles. The Malachite High Court receives appeals from all the courts of the Kohatu Isles. However, cases brought to the Malachite High Court can be appealed to the Supreme Court of the Oan Isles in Tokapa. In some instances, cases can be appealed to the Auroran Court of Justice after being appealed in the Oan Supreme Court. The Oan Supreme Court has the power to strike down laws passed by the Kohatu Legislative Assembly which violate the Kohatuan Constitution.
Foreign relations
The foreign relations of the Kohatu Isles are administered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oan Isles, currently Arana Marama under the Council of Ministers of the Oan Isles and by extension, the Prime Minister of the Oan Isles, currently, Maui Uye-Ahua. Nevertheless, the Minister of External Affairs of the Kohatu Isles can counsel the Oan Foreign minister on foreign affairs insofar as they relate to the Kohatu Isles.. The two offices meet regularly to ensure that Kohatuan interests are represented in Oan Foreign policy. The Minister of External Affairs manages interactions with foreign nations that fall within the powers afforded to them by Oan foreign policy more broadly such as student and cultural exchanges. However, they are not on charge of immigration, treaties and international organizations, diplomacy and so on, as the government of the Oan Isles administers this on their behalf.
The Kohatu Isles is thus subject to and part of the United Nations of the Auroran Continent. Although it does not have any decision-making powers in that body, the High Representative for the Kohatu Isles, currently Topaz Hapene forms part of the Office of the Councillor of the UNAC for the Oan Isles presently Iparema Huinga. Further, is is part of the Kirib Monetary Union under the Oan Isles. There is no Kohatuan participation in this body at all. As part of the Oan Isles, it is represented in the International Forum, Peacekeeping Forces of Urth and Intercontinental Regional Security Accords. The Kohatu Isles has a close relationship with Peregrinia as their closest neighbor and biggest partner in the petroleum extraction industry. The East Gemica-Kohatu Dialogue facilitates discussion and coordination between the two countries especially with regard to emergency response, migration, marine life and oil resources.
Administrative divisions
The Kohatu Isles is a unitary state, so the central government has all the decision-making and political power. However, it is subdivided into 13 municipalities. These municipalities are governed by Mayors elected by the people every 4 years. Mayors in turn appoint people to portfolios in Mayoral Councils. Furthermore, the people of the municipality elect the Municipal Council which holds members of the Mayoral Council accountable and approves by-laws. The Mayoral Council executes legislation and policies within the remit of its duties as mandated by the central government. By-laws refer to delegated legislation passed by the Municipal Council on the proposal of the Mayoral Council within the bounds or from the laws of the state. The central government can dissolve and restructure municipalities by amending the Kohatu Municipalities Act. The Malachite High Court can overturn decisions made by municipalities if they violate laws and the Constitution.
Military
The defence of the Kohatu Isles is the responsibility of the Oan Isles. Thus, the Military of the Oan Isles is responsible for the defence of the Kohatu Isles. The Oan military is under the political leadership of Minister of Defence, General Oahuoa Uye. The Malachite Military Base is the hub of the Oan military presence in the Kohatu Isles.
There, the 178th and 133rd Infantry Batallions, 76th and 34th Artillery Batallions, 27th and 48th Flight Squadron and the 8th Military Health Formation are located in the Kohatu Isles. They are under the command of Lieutenant General Hanoru Ngahere. In total there are 7,000 service members and support staff, 7 commissioned vessels, and 65 aerial combat units located in the Kohatu Isles. The Kohatu Military Training Academy is located on Jewelica 13km from Pounamupa. It receives 1,200 applications every year, accepts 930 students and about 453 pass on time. 67% of the candidates are Kohatuan, however 59% of the forces stationed in the Kohatu Isles are Oans.
Most of the Kohatuans in the armed forces are former paramilitaries of the National Liberation Movement who were integrated. The integration process is overseen by the Caven Regional Headquarters of the Oan Defence Forces under a joint command structure involving Lieutenant General Moissanite Thorium and Major General Lapis Lazuli (former leaders of the NLM of whom the latter is the husband of Opal Lazuli). The integration is considered ongoing but at an advanced stage.
Economy
The economy of the Kohatu Isles was dominated by the corporate interests and political allies of the Diamond Authority that once ruled the islands. Competition was stifled and large monopolies rested in the hands of the political elite. This presented issues when the country was liberated from the Diamond Authority because many critical sectors were under the control of their cronies and families.
The Kōhatuan and Oan governments are working together to bring these companies under the control of the new democratic government. Moreover, the rule of the Diamond Authority brought corruption and many people occupy positions for which they are not qualified. As part of the reforms, skilled technicians and professionals from the Oan Isles were brought in to provide training, expel incompetent and illegally appointed officials, cut wasteful expenditure and terminate unethically appointed and useless suppliers.
Sectors and history
The Kōhatuan economy was heavily dependent on mineral resources like precious stones. Unfortunately precious stone prices were volatile. When prices were low, the economy suffered significantly.
The island had proven oil reserves but could not attract financial capital to explore, extract and refine them. That changed when the islands were liberated and the Oan Isles played a greater role in Kōhatuan political and economic life. Through a joint venture with East Malaysia, the Kohatu Isles were able to acquire the technology, personnel and infrastructure to use its oil reserves.
The booming oil sector has lifted many people from poverty and alleviated unemployment through the thousands of new jobs created. The Oan and Kōhatuan governments set up the Kohatu Sovereign Wealth Fund which would take over the Oan portion of the joint oil venture with East Malaysia. The financial rewards would allow the islands to further develop.
Already, the construction sector is booming as the demand for housing and services in the cities increases. With the significant increase in savings, the government maintains large surpluses which it re-invests in the country especially in water, electricity, sanitation, housing, and transport. The results of this economic activity are apparent in the increase of tourists especially businesspeople, professionals and academics from Polynesia who come to enjoy newly opened amusement parks, resorts and hotels and other attractions.
Trade and transport
Kohatuan imports are valued at 7,23 billion KRB while exports are valued at 7,88 billion KRB leading to a trade deficit of 640 million KRB. The largest trade partners are the Oan Isles (48%), Peregrinia (12%) and Great Morstaybishlia (9%). The Kohatu Isles and the Oan Isles are treated as a single customs area thus, there are no additional costs of trade between them. As a member of the UNAC, the Kohatu Isles forms part of the single market, monetary union and customs area and has access to markets across the Aurora region. Unfortunately, its relative geographic isolation has made it hard to realize these opportunities. Fortunately, the Four Year Infrastructure Development Plan aims to integrate the Oan Isles, the Kohatu Isles and Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories.
Because the islands are surrounded by ocean, air and sea travel are the only ways to reach them. As such the state invested heavily in ports and airports. The largest airport in the country is the Malachite International Airport. The largest passenger and cargo carrier is the Kohatu Airlines. The largest port is the Port of Malachite City, which is being developed into a deep sea port so it can receive larger ships.
Demographics
Religion
65% of the Kohatuan population have a religion while 35% are non-religious. 48% of the population adheres Mauism, 12% to Thaerism and 5% to Kohatuan Folk Religion.
Ethnic groups
Native Kohatuans are actually mixed race between Caven and Oan people and they inherited the culture, language and ancestry of both nations which in turn evolved over time into a single ethnic group. They comprise 82% of the population, 12% are Oan and 4% come from other nations.
Urbanisation
76% of the population live in urban areas while 34% live in rural areas. The top largest urban areas in the country are Mahakatepa, Akatepa, and Pounamupa.
Education
97% of the population is literate. 93% completed primary school. 85% completed high school and 21% completed tertiary education. The largest university is the University of the Kohatu Isles was established in 1987 by the Diamond Authority. The Kohatuan Department of Education administers education policy. The University of Tokapa maintains an agreement with the University College of Akatepa to award degrees taught by that institution in its name. The University of Anapa has a similar arrangement with the University College of Pounamupa. High schools follow their own curriculum which is gradually being replaced by the Oan Standard Secondary Education Curriculum to make them better eligible to enter Oan universities. Of the 56,000 in tertiary education in the Kohatu Isles, 17% are self-funded, 23% are on a student loan, 39% are funded by the Government of the Kohatu Isles, 16% are funded by corporate bursaries, 15% are funded by universities. 75% of students are doing an undergraduate qualification.