In Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, the city’s law enforcement campaign has entered what officials are calling a “tactical transition phase.”
According to the latest briefing from the Metropolitan Police Command, the phased rollout of Operation Jubilee 25 is progressing steadily in preparation for the country’s upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025. Judging from the current pace, police posture has now swiftly shifted from public awareness campaigns to a zero-tolerance approach, signaling the government’s deep commitment to social stability in this politically symbolic moment.
“We’re entering the final week of Phase One: inform, inform, and inform,” said Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Warrick Simatab during a press conference. “The public response to our awareness efforts has been very encouraging. This engagement is a powerful sign that we are united in the vision of a safer city.”
The first phase has focused heavily on community policing and public mobilization, emphasizing reason, facts, and dialogue. But Simatab has also issued a clear warning:
“As Phase One draws to a close, I must make it clear that Phase Two will commence next month—and we will be uncompromising. Ample time has been given for public education. Now, it’s time for decisive action.”
This shift in strategy signals the beginning of concrete enforcement measures in Port Moresby’s public safety campaign. According to police, the second phase will focus on six key problem areas:
- Suppressing ethnic and tribal violence
- Combating gender-based violence
- Rectifying antisocial behavior
- Cracking down on armed robberies and carjacking
- Improving urban traffic safety and reducing congestion
- Dismantling organized crime networks
For Simatab, the only effective path forward is targeted enforcement. “We must neutralize problems at their source to create a dignified social environment for the upcoming national celebration.”
He also extended special thanks to local administrative bodies for their support. “The NCD city government, the Governor’s Office, and district development authorities have been invaluable partners—especially through the ‘Warden Program’, which has proven highly effective on the ground.”
To enhance inter-agency coordination, the police are now deepening collaboration with the Road Traffic Authority, aiming to strengthen institutional frameworks behind the clean-up effort. At the same time, external development partners have responded positively.
Simatab confirmed that the Australia–PNG Partnership, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the EU–UNDP joint initiative have all signaled a willingness to support the effort.
“Their backing will significantly reinforce our governance and law enforcement capacity. In particular, when it comes to corruption, I personally advocate a strict zero-tolerance stance,” said Simatab.
The Metropolitan Police Command has pledged to maintain internal discipline, insisting that effective law enforcement begins with clean governance. “We are committed to improving public order from the inside out.”
He concluded:
“We will ensure that Port Moresby becomes a safe and orderly city as we approach this historic national milestone.”
Editor’s Note – MEET PNG:
Port Moresby has long struggled with issues of public safety—especially ethnic violence, traffic chaos, and gender-based violence—all of which have severely damaged the city’s image. This time, however, the security operation is being driven by a clear political timeline: the 50th Independence Anniversary.
The “awareness phase” is ending, and the “action phase” is about to begin. The public has been mobilized, and the government has laid its cards on the table. Now the real test lies in execution: will authorities truly follow through with strong, fair, and effective enforcement?
If zero tolerance becomes more than just rhetoric—if it becomes the operating principle of governance—then perhaps both public order and official accountability may finally begin to shift in a positive direction. But whether justice will be applied fairly remains an open question.
