The Government of Japan has handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to strengthen police mobility and operational capacity across the country, particularly ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
The vehicles were formally handed over at the Bomana National Centre of Excellence today, where Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Hisanobu Mochizuki presented them to Police Commissioner David Manning.
The handover was witnessed by Police Minister Sir John Pundari, senior government officials, representatives from the departments of Treasury and National Planning, and senior RPNGC officers.
Mochizuki said the vehicles would strengthen the ability of police officers to reach communities and carry out their duties, particularly in areas where transport and logistical challenges affect police operations.
He said Japan remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea through practical cooperation that strengthens public institutions and contributes to national development.
The vehicles were provided through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme under a K12.8 million grant.
Pundari welcomed the donation on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, describing it as a practical expression of the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
“This donation of 60 vehicles is far more than just a fleet announcement. It is an investment in the ability of the state to be present, visible and responsive in the communities that require policing services every day, every night, 24/7,” Pundari said.
He said law and order remains one of the Government’s highest priorities, with safer communities supporting economic growth, investor confidence and the delivery of essential services.
“For the Marape-Rosso Government, law and order remains one of the highest national priorities. Safer communities are fundamental to economic growth, investor confidence, education, health service delivery, transport, tourism, commerce and the peaceful daily life of our people,” he said.
Pundari said the Government was focused on strengthening frontline policing by improving police mobility, supporting provincial commands and ensuring officers had the basic tools required to perform their duties.
He said the vehicles would also support wider reforms within the RPNGC, including improving capability, discipline and accountability, while modernizing police operations and strengthening community-focused policing.
“A police service cannot meet public expectations if it lacks the means to move. Mobility affects response times, investigations, victim support, traffic enforcement and public order operations. These 60 vehicles will help address a practical gap,” Pundari said.
He said the Government expected the vehicles to be properly managed, maintained and used strictly for policing and public safety.
“These vehicles have been provided for public purpose and must be maintained, protected and used only to support policing, public safety and service delivery. Every vehicle must be properly managed, assigned and cared for, so that this donation delivers long-term value and is not diminished by misuse, neglect or poor maintenance,” he said.
Pundari said police officers continued to work in difficult environments where distance, terrain, road conditions and logistical challenges could make policing more difficult.
He said international partnerships, government investment and institutional reforms must work together to build a more mobile, professional, accountable and trusted police force.
The donation comes as the RPNGC prepares for the 2027 National General Election, when police will be required to provide security and maintain public order across the country.
Pundari thanked the Government and people of Japan for continuing to support Papua New Guinea’s law and order sector, describing the vehicle handover as another demonstration of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
