Police work to keep public and visitors safe at Hagen Show

For thousands of people who came to enjoy the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show from the 14th-16th August 2026, the focus was on colourful costumes, traditional dances, music and meeting people from different parts of Papua New Guinea and overseas.

But behind the celebrations, police officers were also working throughout the show to make sure people could enjoy the event safely.

Police were visible around Queen’s Park and other parts of Mt Hagen City, helping manage crowds, monitor movement and respond to incidents.

For many families, the presence of police provided a sense of security as they moved around the busy showground.

The three-day event attracted large crowds, including international visitors, cultural groups and people from across the Highlands region.

But the job for police did not end when the cultural performances finished.

Police were also needed to manage the movement of people leaving the show and to respond to law-and-order problems in the city.

The importance of that role became clear after some clashes were reported in parts of Mt Hagen city following the first and last days of the Show.

 Police moved in and brought the situation under control.

For police officers on duty, the operation was not just about making arrests.

It was also about being present, talking to people, helping where needed and making sure families, visitors and cultural performers could return home safely.

"The Hagen Show is one of the biggest cultural events in the Highlands and attracts visitors from around the country and overseas. That makes security an important part of protecting not only the people attending the event, but also Mt Hagen's reputation as a destination for visitors," said Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom who was in charge of the security element of the Show.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC)h has previously highlighted community policing, public awareness and foot patrols as important parts of maintaining law and order in Mt Hagen City.

For the people attending the 66th Hagen Show, the police presence may have been something they barely noticed.

Hagen Show Chairman Pym Mamindi gave credit to the men and women in blue for providing security in and around the showground and also the city from the start of the show till the end and also extends his committee's gratitude locals boys who also provide security inside the singsing arena and local security firms as well.

" Our sincere thank you to the police and army who provided security that made it possible for the Show to end on a very high note. Also credit to those local security firms and local boys who also gave their best on making Show goers and especially tourists safe during the three days of Hagen Show," Mamindi says.

But for the officers working behind the scenes, keeping the crowds safe was part of making the celebration possible.

As the music, dancing and celebrations brought people together, police remained on the ground-watching, responding and helping thousands of people enjoy the Hagen Show safely.