Governor of Central Province Rufina Peter has issued an urgent call to the Prime Minister, the National Executive Council (NEC), and all members of Parliament to immediately suspend the Connect PNG Program for the next 50 years until proper border security mechanisms are put in place to protect the Papuan region from escalating security threats.
She said in a statement that, that unregulated expansion of roads linking Papua to the Highlands and other regions is now the greatest internal security threat to Gulf, Central, Port Moresby, and the National Capital District (NCD).
Without proper security measures, these road networks are fast-tracking lawlessness, illegal migration, and land grabs, placing enormous strain on provincial law enforcement, public services, and local communities.
Governor Peter said there should be an
IMMEDIATE SECURITY MEASURES FOR PAPUA REGION
- ESTABLISHMENT OF BORDER SECURITY POSTS
Immediate setup of manned security border posts between Gulf and Southern Highlands Provinces to monitor and control movement. Deployment of Papuan Reservists from Central and Gulf to enforce strict security, immigration, and customs controls.
2. IMMEDIATE HALT TO CONNECT PNG EXPANSION INTO PAPUA The Connect PNG Program must be frozen until a full security risk assessment is conducted. No further road construction into Central, Gulf, and Port Moresby without comprehensive security infrastructure in place.
3. STRONGER IMMIGRATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTROLS.
Compulsory registration and vetting of all non-Papuan migrants entering Central and Gulf provinces. Strict enforcement of illegal settlement removal to prevent uncontrolled land grabs.
4. SECURITY TASK FORCE & JOINT ENFORCEMENT
Papuan Security Task Force (PSTF) to be formed, comprising Central, Gulf, and NCD security units to monitor threats. Joint police-military operations to dismantle criminal networks infiltrating our region. A DIRECT CALL TO PAPUAN MPs – TIME TO ACT NOW!
“I call on all Members of Parliament from Central, Gulf, NCD, and the wider Papuan region to stand with me in demanding the immediate halt of the Connect PNG Program until these urgent security concerns are fully addressed. This is not just an infrastructure issue it is a serious national security threat that must be prioritized now!” she said.
