Cenderawasih Military Command Explains Ban on Public Screenings of 'Pesta Babi' Film
The Indonesian National Army (TNI) through the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command has explained the reasons behind its appeal to the public regarding plans to hold public screenings and discussions of the documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’ in the Papua region.
The Head of Public Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Colonel Tri Purwanto, said that every film screened to the public should comply with applicable regulations, namely having a film censorship certificate from the Film Censorship Board (LSF).
“The lack of official certification is the main reason why the screening of this film is considered inappropriate for public spaces,” said Tri when contacted via WhatsApp message on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
He added that the TNI is concerned that films that have not gone through the official censorship process could carry unbalanced narratives and potentially trigger information distortion among the public.
Therefore, Tri said, the TNI invites and encourages the public to be more selective in sorting information, including in consuming documentary films, such as the film ‘Pesta Babi’.
However, he added that the security and social stability situation in Papua must still be maintained, given that various development projects in the Cenderawasih region are also still underway in several areas.
“It is important that one-sided narratives do not pit the community against government strategic programs that are actually aimed at improving the welfare of the people of Papua,” he said.
Previously, public screenings and discussions of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ in several areas were marked by disbandments, both by the military and university rectors. In Ternate, the activity was dispersed by soldiers from the 1501/Ternate Military District on the grounds of being provocative and creating an unfavorable situation.
In West Nusa Tenggara, three universities, namely the University of Mataram, Mandalika University, and the Islamic University of Mataram, banned the screening of the film. The reason given was that the film was considered to discredit the Indonesian government.
However, at the Gunung Rinjani University in West Nusa Tenggara, the public screening of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ went smoothly. The rector allowed students to watch and discuss the film by Dandhy Dwi Laksono and Cypri Paju Dale.
The documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’ depicts the impact of land and industrial expansion on the loss of customary forests, traditional food, and the sovereignty of local communities in Papua.
The film, which is approximately 95 minutes long, highlights the struggle of indigenous communities in Papua, such as in Merauke, Boven Digoel, and Mappi, against expansion and the involvement of the military in national strategic projects (PSN).