Controversy Surrounds 'Pesta Babi' Film: Government States No Ban, Military Warns of Potential Disruptions

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The controversy surrounding the screening of the documentary film ‘Pesta Babi: Colonialism in Our Time’ has revealed differing stances between the government and the military in responding to the film, which criticises a development project in Papua.

On one hand, the government, through several ministers, has stated that there is no official ban on the film’s screening and has urged the public to approach it critically.

On the other hand, the military has warned of potential social disruptions caused by the film’s perceived biased narrative.

This difference in opinion emerged after several public screenings of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ were disrupted and cancelled in various regions.

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Penitentiary Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, affirmed that the government has never issued any directives or policies to ban the screening of the documentary film.

According to Yusril, this pattern indicates that the disruption or cancellation of the film screenings is not a directive from the government or law enforcement agencies at a central level.

He believes that criticism of the National Strategic Project (PSN) in South Papua is normal in a democratic country, although he acknowledges that there is provocative narrative within the film.

“I consider such criticism to be normal, although there is indeed a provocative narrative. The title of the documentary film itself is controversial,” said Yusril.

Yusril also urged the public not to be provoked by the film’s title, which he believes was intentionally designed to attract attention.

In agreement with Yusril, Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, stated that the ban on the film’s screening cannot be done unilaterally.

“The film can only be banned according to a court decision, according to the law,” said Pigai on Tuesday (12/5/2026).

Pigai believes that the film is a creative work that should be respected.

According to him, parties who feel aggrieved by the film’s content can provide clarification or create a counter-narrative.