Informing Today, Inspiring Tomorrow
Chairman, Hon. Russell Simon Wavik of the Motu Koita Assembly (MKA), makes a point during the consultation with the community at Hanuabada village.
Historic Law and Order Forum Signals New Chapter for Hanuabada and Motu Koita
On Monday, 26 January 2026, the Motu Koita Assembly (MKA), under the leadership of its Chairman, Hon. Russell Simon Wavik, hosted a landmark law and order forum at Hanuabada Village. The dialogue is widely regarded as a historic turning point for the community and the wider MKA.
The high-level forum brought together key national and city leaders, including the Minister for Police, Hon. Sir John Pundari; NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop; Member for Moresby North West, Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel; Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (NCD/Central), Benjamin Turi; and NCD Metropolitan Commander, Worik Simateb. Discussions focused on long-standing law and order challenges and the strained relationship between police and the people of Hanuabada.
(Left, NCD/Central) ACP Acting Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Turi addressing the community, member for Moresby North West, Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel (second from left), Minister for Police, Hon. Sir John Pundari (middle), NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop (second from the right), and Hon. Russell Simon Wavik (far right).
Police presence in Hanuabada has been largely absent since 2014, following a fatal incident that led to deep mistrust, misconceptions, and the village being wrongly labelled a “no-go zone.” For more than a decade, this situation has adversely affected security, service delivery, and public confidence. The January 26 forum marked a decisive step toward reconciliation, healing, and the restoration of normal policing services.
NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop addressing the Motu Koita community.
Chairman Hon. Russell Simon Wavik formally invited the leaders to Metoirea in Hanuabada Village to attend the forum. The gathering also included Motu Koita Assembly members, leaders from the Poreporena community, and representatives from the wider MKA.
In his address, Governor Hon. Powes Parkop stated, “I can only come into Hanuabada and Motu Koita if and when the Chairman invites me.” He thanked the Chairman for the invitation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ongoing collaboration between the National Capital District Commission and the Motu Koita Assembly. His remarks were widely interpreted as a recognition of the Chairman’s authority as the leader of the Indigenous Government.
Motu Koita people present during the community meeting at Hanuabada village.
Key Outcomes of the Forum
Several major resolutions were announced as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve safety and rebuild trust:
- Construction of a New Police Station
A permanent police station will be constructed within Hanuabada Village to ensure a visible and sustained security presence. - Local Recruitment of Police Officers
Regular police officers will be recruited directly from Motu Koita villages to promote community-based and culturally grounded policing. - Expansion of the Motu Koita Reserve Police
The current reserve force of 14 members will be expanded, with a target of 300 reservists. - Relocation of the Roadside Market
The roadside market will be moved into the main market area to reduce traffic congestion and improve public order. - Lifting of the “Police Ban”
The long-standing informal restriction on police entry into Hanuabada has been officially lifted, allowing police services to resume immediately.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi confirmed the resumption of police operations, stating that “police service is back in this place”.
Another significant outcome was the announcement of a formal reconciliation process between police and the victims of the 2014 incident. For the first time in 12 years, a reconciliation ceremony will be held in February 2026, bringing together victims, their families, and police to restore trust and foster long-term healing. This process is being led by the Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and was described as a critical step toward lasting reconciliation.
The forum was chaired and facilitated by the Motu Koita Assembly Manager, Mr. Hendry Toua.
The outcomes of this historic engagement signal a new chapter for Hanuabada and the Motu Koita people, one grounded in partnership, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to building a safer and more secure future.
Note: All images were provided by Motu Koita Assembly.