Rising Crime and Falling Economy: PNG PM Marape Must Step Up

​Commentary by Chris Kilipia 
Prime Minister James Marape, as the chairman of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the leader of the Pangu Party, the responsibility of running this country rests squarely on your shoulders. The NEC is the highest decision-making body in Papua New Guinea, and as the head of this institution, you have the mandate and duty to steer the country in the right direction. The nation's current struggles, whether we suffer or rejoice, are tied directly to your leadership. Five years have passed under your government, and it is time to stop blaming others and take decisive action to turn this country around.

The ongoing power struggles within political parties are a distraction from the urgent tasks at hand. It is imperative that you, as Prime Minister, put an end to these internal disputes and start making decisions that will have a positive impact on the nation. The blame game must stop. Papua New Guinea's economy, livelihoods, and future depend on your leadership and ability to make bold moves.

One crucial step you should consider is pegging the country’s currency and implementing a fixed exchange rate, similar to what former Prime Minister Peter O'Neill did in 2014. When you came into power, the decision to float the kina and devalue it, under the advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was a mistake. The devaluation has only led to import inflation, increasing the cost of goods and services across the country.

Businesses are now paying more for imports due to the weak kina, and this additional cost is being passed down to consumers. This is why the prices of everyday goods continue to rise, and they will likely keep rising as long as the kina remains weak. Many businesses that cannot handle these economic pressures are scaling down their operations or shutting down altogether, leading to higher unemployment across the country.

Unemployment and economic instability often lead to a rise in crime, as people become desperate to make ends meet. There is a direct connection between job losses and increased criminal activity. While addressing law and order is essential, it must go hand in hand with economic reforms. Without fixing the economy, crime will continue to escalate, adding another layer of complexity to the nation's problems.

Papua New Guinea's economy relies heavily on its extractive industries, including gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, and natural gas. These sectors account for 83% of the country’s total exports and are the main sources of foreign exchange (forex). The government must prioritize negotiations and work to reopen projects such as Papua LNG, P’nyang, and Wafi Golpu. These projects are essential for bringing in much-needed foreign currency and stabilizing the economy.

At the same time, it is crucial to build and revitalize the agriculture sector. The country cannot afford to rely solely on the extractive industries for economic growth. Bringing in top Israeli agriculture companies to revamp old plantations could be a game-changer. These efforts should be focused on building new towns, cities, schools, and hospitals around these agricultural hubs to prevent overcrowding in major cities. Rural development is key to achieving balanced economic growth.

When the economy begins to recover and people have money in their pockets, the government can then turn its attention to strengthening law enforcement and addressing the country’s law and order issues. Economic empowerment will lead to more stable communities, and this will lay the groundwork for developing a vibrant tourism industry that can further diversify the economy.

This path forward is not complicated; it simply requires practical, realistic steps that can be implemented quickly. The time for lofty promises and grand visions is over. What Papua New Guinea needs are simple, actionable solutions that will provide immediate relief and long-term growth. Let us move away from pipe dreams and focus on policies that deliver tangible results for the people.

Prime Minister Marape, the responsibility for these reforms rests with you. The country is watching and waiting for you to take the lead in securing a better future for all Papua New Guineans.

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