By: Eustoria Marie Borja
KOROR, Palau – October 29, 2024 — Following last week’s issuance of a traditional Bul to curb disturbances and restore peace within Koror’s communities, the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) confirmed that the decree does not conflict with Palau’s national laws or affect local businesses’ operating hours. The Bul, effective November 1, restricts movement in inner hamlets from midnight to 5 a.m., while bars, restaurants, and other establishments are permitted to operate under existing legal guidelines as usual.
In an interview at the HOTL office, Ibedul Alexander Merep addressed community concerns about the potential impact of the Bul on businesses.
“The Bul will not stop the bars from staying open until 2 a.m.,” Ibedul stated. “We just ask that when people are finished for the night, they head home rather than gather in public spaces during the restricted hours. This is about respecting the peace and quiet of our communities.”
The Bul responds to increasing reports of drug-related incidents, loud disturbances, and community safety concerns. Recent incidents, including a shooting at PIDC, have heightened residents’ concerns, particularly with the rise in late-night traffic in certain neighborhoods. “These issues extend beyond Koror; they’re happening across Palau,” said Ibedul, calling the Bul a proactive approach to restore order and respect.
Law Enforcement Support
The decree has garnered strong support from the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) and local law enforcement. BPS Director Curtis Elobt confirmed his backing of the Bul, noting the alignment with traditional Palauan values while balancing the limitations of police resources. “We invited Director Elobt to meet with us at the HOTL office, and he’s fully on board,” Ibedul explained. “He supports the Bul, our community values, and our approach to safety.”
Ibedul also noted the strong working relationship between HOTL and the BPS Director, facilitated by their shared cultural understanding. “With Director Elobt as a Palauan leader, it’s easier for us to meet and share our concerns, especially because he understands the importance of our traditions and culture that safeguard our communities,” he added. Elobt acknowledged BPS’s current shortage of officers, which makes a community-led approach critical to enforcement.
Encouragement and not Penalties
While the Bul includes potential fines for violations, HOTL emphasized that penalties are intended as a last resort and not as a revenue source. “The Bul is about reawakening our traditional values of respect, not about collecting fines,” Ibedul explained. “We hope everyone will cooperate voluntarily. It’s about restoring harmony and ensuring our communities feel safe, especially as we head into the holiday season.”
A village chief will oversee fines when needed, considering the degree of the offense. Ibedul added that individuals who are cooperative and show respect may avoid penalties, emphasizing that the HOTL prioritizes community understanding and unity over punishment. “If someone apologizes sincerely and respects the Bul, we welcome that gesture. But if someone is uncooperative, the chief in charge of issuing the fine will determine an appropriate fine depending on the circumstances of the violation of the BUL .
Community Responsibility and the Future of the Bul
With the holiday season around the corner, traditional leaders believe this decree will encourage residents to celebrate responsibly and respect the harmony within their villages. “This has been our tradition for generations,” said Ibedul. “The Bul reflects our values of Siukang—caring for each other and living in harmony. We hope our younger generations will look up to this and carry these values forward.”
The HOTL intends to review the Bul’s impact in early 2025 to determine whether it should continue or be lifted. “We’re committed to assessing how the Bul affects our community’s peace and whether we’ll need it beyond next year,” Ibedul said.
The decree will be communicated through media channels to encourage community cooperation and understanding, with a dedicated hotline for reporting disturbances. As Koror’s leaders implement the Bul, they are asking for community-wide participation to restore peace, respect, and unity, especially for the younger generations.
“We’re grateful to all who support this,” concluded Ibedul. “Let’s make this holiday season one of peace and mutual respect, showing our communities and future generations the value of living in harmony and our Palauan culture.”