Army Chief of Staff says there was no instruction to disband screening of the 'Pesta Babi' film: It was the regional government

That was essentially just asking for a clear answer, because the disbandment came from the regional government for security reasons. It is the responsibility of the regional coordinator among government officials there who consider there to be a risk of unrest. Yes, those were their decisions; there was no direct instruction from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).

Not the TNI. It was the regional government; they decided to do it, there were no instructions. Right, he added.

He said he did not object to the film. He noted that the TNI also runs many programmes that benefit the public.

“People have opinions, of course. But I am also bold to say that our programmes are numerous as well. People may think we are employing in that way; but that is not the interest of the TNI. It is a reserve for the country. Yes, please ask the programme owners. We are confident that the programmes run, and no one is harmed,” he said.

He cited examples of many Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel who visit remote areas to aid residents. One example, according to Maruli, is that personnel help in the construction of water sources.

“Remote communities that have long drawn water from rivers. The river is surely dirty, after all, in this day and age,” he said.

He said the film’s content may not be accurate. He also criticised the people who made the film.

“Because the veracity of the film is not necessarily true,” Maruli said.

“Now the issue is people making videos; how is the story like this and that, where does the money come from? Well, go ahead, see. They travel there, shoot videos here and there; there are wealthy people involved,” he added.

As is known, the disbandment occurred at several campuses with different organisers, including Khairun University (Unkhair) in Ternate; Mataram University (Unram) and Mandalika Education University (Undikma) in West Nusa Tenggara; and Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Bali. Not only at universities; screenings of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ held at Seminyak and Tabanan cafes were also disbanded.

The documentary film contains criticism of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) in South Papua, which are said to threaten environmental conservation, the customary rights of Papua’s indigenous people, and the environment.