KOROR, PALAU – In a move to reaffirm their significance in contemporary Palauan society, the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) of Koror State will host the Palau Council of Chiefs (Rubekul Belau) meeting on December 5th, 2023, at the Palau National Gymnasium.
The meeting, initiated by Ibedul Alexander Merep and Ngiraikelau Francisco Gibbons, will delve into the evolving role and responsibilities of traditional chiefs amidst Palau’s changing landscape. This marks the fifth gathering of the Rubekul Belau since its inaugural meeting in June 2022, which adopted the theme “Resilient Palau.”
While a specific theme has not been designated for this meeting, it holds unique significance as the first to be expressly hosted by state traditional leaders. The gathering is primarily intended as a dialogue between Koror’s traditional leaders and the national Rubekul Belau.
Over the past two decades, the positions and roles of Palauan traditional chiefs have faced mounting challenges and diminishing influence. Clan-based disputes over titles have triggered protracted legal battles and court rulings, impacting individuals and clans alike. This phenomenon has permeated every traditional council of chiefs, at both state and national levels.
The very existence of the council of chiefs is threatened by internal conflicts within families, clans, and even state governments. Within the Koror State HOTL and the national Rubekul Belau exist chiefs whose positions are contested within their respective organizations.
As the Koror State HOTL takes center stage in hosting this crucial meeting, it seeks to reassert the enduring relevance of traditional leadership in Palau’s modern society. This meeting presents an opportunity for open dialogue and a collective effort to address these internal challenges while reaffirming the role of traditional leadership in shaping Palau’s future.