RECONCILIATION
AFTER seven years of division, the Ngiau tribe in Megiar village in Madang’s north coast has finally found peace.
A reconciliation recent event marked the end of a bitter conflict sparked by sorcery allegations since 2019.
Background on Megiar village
Megiar community is located at the northern coast of about 60km from Madang town. The village consists of three major tribes and six pairs of clans who speak a common language which they claim to be part of the Bel group of languages spoken by villagers surrounding Madang town.
The community boasts of its unique existence among a Bargam speaking dominated society. Its elites include people like late John Sabaleb, late Dr Anastasia Sai PhD, Senior District Court Magistrate Ignatius Kurei (retired), late Alphonse Aiwol, late Sebastine Karson Kong, to name a few.
The Megiar people are never known to be violent but peace loving and respectful people. They are a very strong Catholic community for more than 100 years of keeping their faith and principles since they got converted in the 1900s by the SVD missionaries.
Beginning of a conflict
In 2019, Karson Kong died and his death was untimely and a great loss for his family, and not easily accepted by his family. They, as Melanesians, could not accept his death to be of a natural cause.
Because of what had happened, they believed the loss was caused by another person in the same clan with two of his associates from other clans in the same Ngiau tribe through acts of sorcery.
That conviction had driven them to destroy houses and properties belonging to the three men and that left the men destitute until now. After seven years, reconciliation is sought.
Despite attempts to placate the sorcery accusations by destroying properties and driving the accused out, the afflicted family remained trapped in a cycle of grief. Over the seven-year period, they suffered a devastating loss of 14 family members, the most recent passing occurring in 2025.
The conflict had torn the community asunder, pitting loved ones and lifelong family against one another. Tensions simmered, casting a dark shadow over the village, and the atmosphere remained fraught with anxiety and fear.
How conflict affected faith
The conflict’s toll on the Catholic faith in Megiar was profound. The priest, who had dedicated himself to serving the community, was forced to abandon the parish as the situation became untenable. The discord among parishioners starkly contrasted with the Christian values he preached, leaving him feeling compelled to withdraw.
Worse still, his efforts to address the issue were met with hostility, and he faced physical confrontation from some community members. Despite his obligation as a spiritual leader to guide his flock, the priest was left with no choice but to depart, leaving a gaping void in the community.
The priest’s departure due to the conflict had far-reaching consequences for the parish. Not only were the faithful left without a spiritual leader, but the renovation of the church building, a cornerstone of the Catholic faith in the area, came to a grinding halt for seven long years. The project, spearheaded by the priest, was left unfinished, awaiting completion and without a good reconciliation and restoration of the victims, the renovation would take longer.
The Madang Archdiocese, through the priest, made it clear that reconciliation was the only way forward. The community was required to make amends with the accused, rebuild their homes, and allow the church renovation to resume. This stance underscored the far-reaching impact of the conflict – it wasn’t just the accused who suffered, but the entire community and the Catholic faithful in the parish.
In essence, the dispute had become a stumbling block to the community’s spiritual growth and development, affecting everyone involved.
Reconciliation team
Around September 2025, like-minded men and women were hand picked by the team coordinator Symphorian Wayer to initiate and spearhead the reconciliation processes.
Recognising the community’s dire need for peace and the apparent lack of initiative, the Megiar Reconciliation Team 2025 was formed, comprising 12 members from the Biraz and Musob tribes.
Led by chairman George Salameng Paisie (Musob tribe) and vice chairman Cosmas Aiwol (Biraz tribe), the team worked tirelessly to restore harmony. Secretary Justin Boski, a member of both tribes, played a pivotal role, while coordinator Symphorian Wayer drove the initiative from September 2025 to its successful conclusion on April 12, 2026.
The reconciliation theme was based on Matthew 12:25, which says, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of division and the importance of unity. Given the context of the reconciliation event, this theme is fitting, as it emphasises the need for unity and harmony within the community.
The team’s objectives were threefold: Firstly, to broker peace between the conflicting factions; secondly, to raise funds to support the reconciliation event; and thirdly, to negotiate with the archdiocese for reconciliation and the resumption of the church renovation. Two of those objects were achieved and the third is now the final accomplishment for the team’s tireless efforts.
“It was a challenging but rewarding journey,” said Wayer.
The reconciliation event marked a new chapter for the Ngiau tribe, with traditional rituals, prayers, and a symbolic peace ceremony.
Reconciliation day
The reconciliation event on Sundayt, April 12 kicked off with a special Mass at the church, led by Fr Simon Dogovav. The timing was particularly fitting, as it coincided with the second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. This significant day in the Catholic calendar highlights God’s boundless love and mercy, making it a poignant backdrop for the reconciliation ceremony.
Fr Simon’s sermon was a powerful accompaniment to the event, as he reminded the congregation of God’s unwavering love, citing Psalms 118. He posed a pointed question: “If Christ sacrificed Himself for humanity’s sake, shouldn’t they strive to reflect His enduring love and mercy by forgiving and loving one another?”
He urged the faithful to emulate those who believed in Jesus without seeing Him, rather than being like Thomas, who needed proof. “Let us love and forgive without hesitation,” he implored, emphasising the importance of unconditional forgiveness and love.
After the morning Mass, the community took a break to prepare for the afternoon festivities. The programme resumed at 3pm with the arrival of invited guests in the area marking a significant moment in the reconciliation process.
The Biraz tribe, known for their warrior heritage, made a powerful statement by arriving in procession, carrying a live pig and laying down their traditional bows, arrows, and weapons at the venue. This symbolic act signified their commitment to peace and served as a stern warning against further conflict within the Ngiau tribe.
Their presence held added significance, as some Ngiau clan members were born of Biraz women, making their involvement a call to kinship and unity. By laying down their arms, the Biraz tribe urged the Ngiau tribe to put aside their differences, join hands, and forge a new path of peace and reconciliation
The Musob tribe, on the other hand, also known for their peace-loving and fishing heritage, made a powerful statement by arriving in procession, carrying a live pig, food, and laying down a coconut for planting and their fishing bows at the venue. This symbolic act signified their blessing for a peaceful and fruitful future, and their commitment to reconciliation.
The Musob women had also given birth to children who formed two clans of the Ngiau tribe, adding weight to their call for unity and peace. By presenting these gifts, the Musob tribe urged the Ngiau tribe to lay down their differences and embark on a new path of harmony, reconciliation, and prosperity in all levels, fostering a brighter future for the Ngiau tribe and the community as a whole.
As the gifts were laid down, a palpable wave of emotion swept through the crowd. The Kong family and the three accused stood up, their faces etched with a mix of sorrow, regret, and hope. With trembling hands, they reached out to one another, and as their palms touched, a collective gasp filled the air. The sound of sniffles and stifled sobs echoed through the venue as the community witnessed the powerful act of reconciliation.
Facilitated by four village court personnel, the handshake was more than just a gesture – it was a declaration of forgiveness, a release from the shackles of hatred and resentment that had bound the community for seven long years. The weight of those years of pain and suffering seemed to lift, and the atmosphere transformed, filling with a sense of liberation and renewal.
As the reality of the moment sank in, tears streamed down faces, and the sound of anguished cries and joyous wiping of noses filled the air. The community had finally found closure, and the weight of the past was being lifted, leaving room for healing, forgiveness, and a new beginning.
The crowd erupted into a mix of tears and cheers, as if the very chains of darkness had been shattered, releasing a tidal wave of hope and redemption.
Bert Kinam, representing the accused, stepped forward, his voice trembling with emotion as he began to speak. His words were laced with a deep sense of relief, and his eyes welled up with tears as he spoke. “I am finally happy and relieved that this reconciliation marks a new chapter in my life and my family, a chapter where we can live again in peace and harmony, just as our forefathers did.”
His voice cracked as he spoke, and the crowd listened with bated breath, hanging onto every word. “For too long, we’ve been bound by the chains of accusation and pain. But today, we break free from those chains. Today, we choose to forgive, to let go, and to heal.”
The crowd was visibly moved, with many in tears, as Kinam’s words struck a chord deep within their hearts. His speech was short, but its impact was profound, driving home the reality of the innocence of the accused and the power of forgiveness.
Richard Kong, the newly elected councilor for Megiar Ward 12, followed, his voice filled with emotion as he echoed Kinam’s sentiments. “Whatever happened, happened out of misunderstanding, misconception, and misinterpretations of seeing unexpected loss in the family. This was a very painful journey, but I’m glad that we have come to an understanding.”
He paused, collecting his thoughts as his voice trembled. “We’ve walked through the darkness of grief and anger, but today, we emerge into the light of forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s a new beginning,” he said, his words barely above a whisper. “We’re grateful for the healing, and we look forward to rebuilding our community, our families, and ourselves.”
The crowd erupted into applause, tears streaming down faces, as the weight of the moment sank in. The air was thick with emotion, and the sense of relief was palpable. The community had taken a giant step towards healing, and the future looked brighter than it had in seven long years.
After this event, speeches by representatives from various sectors followed. The three speakers were Ambrose Kayok, Ward 15 councilor, representing the Sumgilbar LLG and ward members, Merna Salameng, principal of the Megiar Divine Mercy Secondary School, representing all educational institutions in the area, and Fr Simon Dogovav, representing the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese, and the parish. All of their speeches were complements to the reconciled parties and the reconciliation team for the efforts put in to make this event a success.
After that Fr Simon said the closing prayer blessing everyone and the food and the reconciliation programme came to a close.
Conclusion
The Ngiau tribe’s journey to reconciliation is a testament to the power of forgiveness, unity, and the human spirit. As the community comes together to put the past behind them, they pave the way for a brighter future, filled with hope, peace, and prosperity for everyone in Megiar and other communities.
This remarkable achievement serves as a shining example for other communities grappling with similar sorcery-related conflicts. It is a reminder that reconciliation is possible, and is the key to breaking free from the chains of hatred and resentment.
- Justin Boski is a freelance writer.
