The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) recently achieved a significant milestone by completing an intensive two-week custom recording exercise in Jiwaka Province.

Conducted under the Underlying Law Act 2000 and the CLRC Act 2004, this initiative strengthens the Commission’s mandate to develop and monitor Papua New Guinea’s Underlying Law. Throughout the exercise, the CLRC documented the customs of the Kuma, Eknii, and Narak language groups, covering the North Waghi, South Waghi, and Jimi Districts.

Facilitated by the Jiwaka Provincial Administration, the consultations engaged village elders, magistrates, and local leaders to ensure an authoritative record of traditional practices. The recording followed a comprehensive questionnaire framework addressing leadership structures, family relations, land ownership, and dispute resolution, while additional cultural research, including a visit to the Koskala Cultural Site, provided deeper insight into regional artifacts.

Jiwaka is the second province to undergo this process following a successful pilot in Central Province.

The CLRC is now refining the gathered data into a legally structured report for parliamentary presentation. Once declared, these customs will be recognized by the courts to help determine cases and progressively develop a "home-grown" legal system.

CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui emphasized that this national program directly supports the Fifth National Goal and Directive Principle, Papua New Guinean Ways, ensuring the country’s legal framework genuinely reflects the traditions and aspirations of its people.