Dandhy Laksono responds to Mama Sinta's police report on 'Pesta Babi' documentary

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — ‘Pesta Babi’ director Dandhy Dwi Laksono has responded to a police report filed by Yasinta Moiwend, a traditional community leader and environmental activist from Merauke known as Mama Sinta, with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Friday evening, 29 May 2026.

Mama Sinta reported LBH Merauke chairman Johnny Teddy Wakum over the ‘Pesta Babi’ film. The report was registered under case number LP/B/3843/V/2026/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya dated 29 May 2026.

Dandhy Dwi Laksono stated that his team deeply respects Mama Sinta and honours her current stance and decisions.

“The ‘Pesta Babi’ film collaboration team respects whatever stance Mama Yasinta takes and urges the public not to condemn or judge her, as we continue to understand the reasons behind this shift in her position,” Dandhy said in a written statement received by Kompas.com on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

Dandhy explained that Mama Sinta is a respected traditional leader who has long fought for the rights of Papua’s communities.

“Mama Yasinta Moiwend is a Malind indigenous woman who has long advocated for herself and her community long before the documentary was made,” he added.

Dandhy also noted that the collaboration team has been unable to contact Mama Sinta since the film’s release until her visit to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters last Friday.

“Since the video went viral on Saturday, 23 May, until her visit to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters on Friday, 29 May, Mama Yasinta has been unreachable and unavailable for direct contact,” he said.

Dandhy hopes this development does not detract public attention from the essential issues being fought for in Papua.

Including the struggle of indigenous communities in South Papua over contentious customary land issues.

“We urge public support for this issue while continuing solidarity efforts to resolve the significant challenges in Papua,” he added.

Previously reported, Yasinta Moiwend, a traditional community leader and environmental activist from Merauke, South Papua, known as Mama Sinta, filed a report against LBH Merauke chairman Johnny Teddy Wakum with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The report was registered under case number LP/B/3843/V/2026/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya dated 29 May 2026.