By Margreth Dardar

Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr is urging Papua New Guineans to take personal responsibility for creating order in their communities.

He emphasized that this is crucial for the country’s tourism growth.

Speaking at the 19th UPNG Tourism Convention, he explained the roles of police and citizens.

While police enforce laws, he said a safe and welcoming country depends on the everyday actions and attitudes of its people.

Tsiamalili explained that security challenges are mainly about social order, which starts with individuals and communities.

He called for a partnership where citizens help create a safe environment, reducing the need for police intervention.

“Police look after the law. The greater society, each of you, look after the order,” he said.

He suggested that PNG’s main issue isn’t just law enforcement but maintaining order within homes and communities.

He compared PNG with Fiji, noting that Fiji’s strength isn’t just its infrastructure but its friendly people.

He said PNG’s cultural diversity and its people are its greatest assets and can leave a positive impression on visitors.

“Our greatest asset, apart from forests and beaches, is us,” he stated.

The government is working to strengthen police through programs like reserve policing, which recruits youths with local knowledge to serve as community constables. But Tsiamalili emphasized that more police alone won’t solve everything. A secure nation depends on the collective effort and behavior of its people.

In his closing words, he told students that their personal conduct impacts the country’s future and security.

“We all have a responsibility, first to ourselves. How we carry ourselves affects others and the nation,” he urged, calling on the next generation to lead by example.