The head of a PNG think tank says a 71-member government delegation travelling to Indonesia for a two-day visit is a "wasteful" and "pointless" exercise ahead of the national elections.
According to InsidePNG, Prime Minister James Marape is leading the travelling party to Jakarta after he accepted an invitation from Indonesian President Jokowi Widodo.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape Photo: PNG PM Media
Mr Marape said the trip aims to advance "the bilateral relationship between the two countries in the trade and commerce sectors."
But PNG Think Tank Group executive director Samson Komati said with the country only a month out before the writ of election is issued, there are several signs the elections can fail.
He said the timing of the trip raises a lot of suspicions.
"The military and the police in the country are not adequately prepared and resourced. They are low on funds.
With this background, the prime minister is taking 71 people to Indonesia. I don't see this as a wise decision. We believe that the elections must be a priority for the government," Komati said.