ABG sets reform agendas for Police and Correctional Services in Bougainville
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is taking decisive steps to strengthen its law and justice sector, with plans underway to transfer command and control of key law enforcement institutions to Bougainville.
ABG Minister for Police, Hon. Willie Masiu, announced in Parliament today that his Ministry has, over the past six months, been undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the law and order situation across the region, identifying critical reforms needed to support Bougainville’s transition towards eventual independence.
“Currently, command and control of both the Bougainville Police Service and Correctional Service remains with the Government of Papua New Guinea. This presents a significant challenge to our aspirations for self-governance,” Minister Masiu said.
“I have therefore recognized the need to initiate the process of transferring command and control of these key institutions to the ABG.”
A key milestone in this process is the recent approval by the Bougainville Executive Council for the establishment of the Bougainville Civilian Police Service Secretariat, which will provide oversight and coordination to ensure the Police Service operates effectively, efficiently and transparently.
The Secretariat will undertake a series of priority reforms aimed at strengthening policing across Bougainville, including:
- Full transfer of command and control of the Bougainville Police Service to the ABG
- Development and implementation of a five-year Corporate Plan
- Expansion of police manpower to 800 officers by 2029
- Training and formalisation of town rangers in urban centres
- Upskilling of Community Auxiliary Police to strengthen community-level policing
- Integration of selected veterans into a reserve police unit
- Establishment of rural police posts across all constituencies
- Construction of rural lock-ups in key regional locations
- Establishment of a Bougainville Intelligence Organisation
- Creation of a Bougainville Water Policing Unit
Minister Masiu reiterated that these reforms are necessary to build a professional, disciplined and accountable police service that reflects the needs and aspirations of our people.
The Civilian Secretariat will also play a central role in facilitating the immediate drawdown of powers from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the National Correctional Service.
Progress is also being made within the Correctional Services sector. Groundbreaking ceremonies have been conducted at Kuveria and Beikut, with developments already underway.
At Kuveria, land has been cleared for the construction of a new correctional facility, while at Beikut, works have commenced on essential infrastructure, including secure fencing, dormitories for male and female inmates, and a dedicated juvenile facility.
These developments are being supported through the Government of Australia, and Minister Masiu expressed appreciation for the continued partnership.
Minister Masiu also highlighted the urgent need to restore police presence in Nissan and Kokopau, noting that both stations were previously operational but have since been vacated.
“These stations were previously operational but have since been vacated and must now be restored as a matter of priority.,” he said.
Minister Masiu emphasized that strengthening law and order institutions remains central to Bougainville’s future.
“Law and order remains the foundation of peace, stability and development. As we move towards our political future, it is imperative that we build strong, disciplined and accountable institutions.”
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