Archbishop Mandagi Laments 'Pesta Babi' Film's Narrative on Merauke Catholic Church

Archbishop of Merauke, Mgr. Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, expressed sadness over the narrative presented in the documentary “Pesta Babi”. He stated that those featured in the film do not understand the Archdiocese of Merauke’s efforts to safeguard South Papua. He suspects that interviewees were selected based on alignment with the director and funders. His comments were made in a circulating video viewed on Monday, 25 May 2026.

He firmly refuted claims in the documentary that the Archdiocese supported the National Strategic Project (PSN) or profited from it, calling the allegations against the Church and himself inaccurate. “The film’s assertions that the Archdiocese approved the PSN, that the bishop sold land, or collaborated with companies destroying South Papua’s forests, especially palm oil plantations, are entirely false. It even claims the Church received funds, as if it was bribed,” he explained.

He questioned why filmmakers did not seek clarification directly from him or local priests regarding the issues raised. “Why didn’t the director ask the bishop or the priests there? They only spoke to people with the same agenda. What’s the real motive?” he added. He further stated the film misrepresents the Archdiocese’s stance on the PSN in South Papua, calling it deliberately provocative and urging viewers to maintain critical thinking, noting the filmmakers do not reside in Papua and only spent brief time there.