Deciphering the Minds of Kele Chiefs

The elders of the Kele communities of Buyang, Tingou, and Kawaliap possessed a deep understanding of their people, land, customs, and way of life. They observed their communities carefully and expressed their thoughts through stories, songs, sayings, and expressions. Many of these expressions are still remembered today, but their true meanings are often not fully understood by the younger generation.

In Kawaliap, one such expression is "Kawa sarpat." In simple terms, it means "Kawaliap scattered all over the place."

At first glance, the meaning seems obvious. But when we look deeper, an important question emerges:

What exactly did the elders mean?

Were they speaking about the people of Kawaliap? Were they referring to the land? The customs? The clans? Or were they describing something much bigger that would only become clear many generations later?

The wisdom of the Kele chiefs was often hidden beneath simple words. They rarely spoke directly. Instead, they used expressions that encouraged people to think deeply about themselves and their future.

Perhaps "Kawa sarpat" was an observation of the community itself. Even in earlier times, Kawaliap may have been made up of different clans, families, and groups living across different areas. The chiefs may have seen a tendency for people to separate rather than unite.

Perhaps they were speaking about the land. Land disputes, divisions, and disagreements over ownership have affected many families. What was once shared and enjoyed by all gradually became fragmented into smaller pieces, creating barriers between relatives and neighbours.

Or perhaps they were talking about the future generations.

Today, the expression seems to speak for itself. Many sons and daughters of Kawaliap are scattered throughout Manus, Papua New Guinea, and beyond. Some have settled in Lorengau. Others live in different provinces. Many have established their lives far from the village of their birth.

The community itself appears scattered.

Families are scattered.

Leadership is scattered.

Even the voices of the people often speak in different directions.

Unlike the past, when respected elders and chiefs guided the community, many people today feel there is no single leader or unifying figure who can bring everyone together. Decisions are often made by individuals, families, or small groups rather than by a collective vision for the whole community.

This raises another important question.

Were the chiefs merely describing what they saw in their time, or were they warning future generations about what could happen if unity was lost?

The answer may never be fully known.

What we do know is that the elders were wise observers of human behaviour. They understood that communities survive not because they share the same land, but because they share the same purpose. When purpose is lost, people drift apart. When unity is weakened, communities become scattered.

The challenge for the sons and daughters of Kawaliap today is not simply to understand the meaning of "Kawa sarpat." The greater challenge is to ask how the community can overcome it.

Can scattered families reconnect?

Can divided clans find common ground?

Can the people develop a shared vision for the future?

These are questions that every generation must answer for itself.

Perhaps the greatest way to honour the wisdom of the Kele chiefs is not only to interpret their words but to act upon them. If "Kawa sarpat" describes the present condition of the community, then the responsibility of today's generation is to ensure that future generations inherit a Kawaliap that is united, confident, and strong.

Only then will the deeper meaning of the elders' wisdom truly be understood.