By: Samantha Iyar
Koror, Palau (Nov. 4, 2024) — Members of the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) appeared on the Eco-Paradise talk show on Monday to discuss the recently enacted “BUL,” a traditional decree aimed at promoting peace and order in Koror. The leaders used the platform to reiterate the importance of the BUL’s provisions and called on the community to actively support its implementation.
During the broadcast, Adelbairekesoaol Harry R. Fritz of the HOTL emphasized the collective responsibility in enforcing the BUL. “We’re asking the community to help with the implementation. Chiefs, police, rangers, and the Ngarametal organization alone cannot do it,” he said. Fritz encouraged residents who are interested in aiding these efforts to reach out to Ngarametal, citing individuals like Alan Marbou, Mlib Tmetuchl, and Ngircholngebang Greg Ngirmang as contacts within the organization.
Kloteraol Earnest Ongidobel, another HOTL member, clarified that the BUL is intended to reduce tensions, not create divisions. “We want to be part of the solution,” he affirmed, explaining that while Ngarametal will oversee movement into each hamlet, individuals traveling within their own hamlets for legitimate reasons will not be penalized.
“We’re not stopping people from visiting nightclubs and returning home by 2 a.m.,” Ongidobel added, but he cautioned that individuals entering a hamlet where they don’t reside may be asked about their purpose.
The BUL, effective as of Nov. 1, imposes movement restrictions within Koror’s inner hamlets from midnight to 5 a.m. and bans loud disturbances during this period. Exceptions are made for essential activities like work, healthcare needs, fishing, emergencies, or other valid reasons. Violators may face traditional fines for non-compliance.
The HOTL urged residents to view the decree as a shared initiative to restore community harmony. “We don’t want the BUL to create divisions; we want it to calm the communities as we approach the holidays and the new year,” Ongidobel said.
The leaders encouraged Koror residents to embrace the decree as part of a collaborative effort to ensure peace and stability across the community.