Court Sets Monday for Daru land ownership declaration

The Daru District Court has set Monday, November 2, for its final declaration on the customary ownership of Daru Town land, following a clarification session with all 49 clan leaders on Friday.

Senior Provincial Magistrate for Daru, Robert Teko, said the court was now in the deliberation stage, carefully examining and verifying the narratives presented by the 49 clans against the historical background of Daru Island to determine customary ownership.

"The court is now in the deliberation stage, where it is carefully examining and verifying each of the 49 clans' narratives against the historical background of Daru Island to determine customary ownership," Magistrate Teko said.

He said Friday’s session was held to explain the process being undertaken by the court and inform the clan leaders of the adjournment to Monday.

All 49 clan leaders attended the session, confirming full attendance.

The final declaration is scheduled for 9:30am on Monday, November 2, at the Daru District Court House.

Following Friday’s adjournment, clan leaders and their members left the courthouse peacefully, with no commotion reported.

Daru Town remained quiet and peaceful throughout Friday.

Western Provincial Administrator Robert Alphonse Kaiyun had earlier advised shops and business houses to close on Friday as a precautionary measure. They are expected to reopen today, Saturday, October 31.

A total liquor ban remains in effect under Circular No. 20 of 2026.

Combined security forces comprising the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, PNG Defence Force and Correctional Service, together with ward law and order committees from around Daru Island, continue to maintain security.

The security operation is expected to continue until Wednesday, November 4.

Police have urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel and await the court’s official declaration on Monday.