LOFUNG, WESTERN PROVINCE — The Solomon Islands Government, in partnership with Australia, has taken a significant step forward in strengthening national border security with the official handover of the Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the Western Border Outpost in Lofung, Shortlands.
The handover ceremony, held Tuesday, brought together local leaders, government officials, and international partners. Officiating the event was the Honourable Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Jimson Tanangada, MP. He was joined by Admiral David Johnston, Chief of the Australian Defence Force; the Australian High Commissioner; and senior representatives from the Solomon Islands and Australian governments, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the Office of the Prime Minister, and Shortlands community leaders.
Minister Tanangada described the new outpost as a “strategic asset” that not only reinforces the government’s physical presence at the border with Papua New Guinea but also embodies the Solomon Islands’ broader vision for unity, sovereignty, and national transformation.
“This Western Border Outpost is not just infrastructure. It is a strategic asset — one that strengthens the presence of government at our border, enhances service delivery, and symbolises the state’s commitment to protect and empower our remote and frontline communities,” Minister Tanangada said.
The facility is designed as a multi-agency platform, integrating the efforts of the RSIPF, Customs, Immigration, Biosecurity, and other relevant agencies. This collaborative approach aims to improve coordination and responsiveness to emerging challenges at the country’s western frontier.
The Lofung Outpost is a priority project under both the National Security Strategy and National Border Security Strategy, which identify the Western border region as crucial for trade, movement, security cooperation, and the safeguarding of national sovereignty.
Minister Tanangada expressed deep gratitude to the landowning communities and chiefs of Shortlands, whose cooperation was vital to the project’s success. He also acknowledged Reeves International, the construction partner, for employing local workers and stimulating the local economy, with 43 jobs created to date.
Complementing the infrastructure investment, more than 700 RSIPF officers have received training under Exercise COASTWATCHERS. The deployment of drone capabilities will further support surveillance and disaster response, enhancing the nation’s security and resilience.
“This project reflects what true partnership can achieve. It delivers real outcomes for communities and directly supports our vision for national unity, peace, and development,” Minister Tanangada added.
The full completion of the Western Border Outpost is expected in 2026. The Initial Operating Capability now in place lays a critical foundation for sustained operations and expanded government services in the Shortlands region.
-MPNSCS Press
