Dandhy Laksono: The Dissolution of the Film Screening Event for 'Pesta Babi' on Campus is a Paradox

Documentary filmmaker Dandhy Dwi Laksono has highlighted the reactive stance of several universities towards the screening and discussion event for the film ‘Pesta Babi’.

He stated that, instead of serving as a safe space for freedom of expression, campuses are becoming vulnerable and hostile environments towards sensitive issues, particularly those concerning problems in Papua.

“This is a paradox,” said Dandhy via voice message to Tempo on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

The screening and discussion events for the film ‘Pesta Babi’ were forcibly disbanded by university authorities. The universities in question include Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram, Universitas Mandalika, and Universitas Mataram.

At Universitas Mataram, for instance, the event was disbanded by the organisers before the film ‘Pesta Babi’ could be shown. Vice Rector III of Universitas Mataram, Sujita, stated that the screening was not permitted without providing any reason.

She claimed to have watched the film and concluded that its content was unsuitable for screening in the campus environment. This was because its content was deemed to discredit the government.

Therefore, she said, based on a joint decision, Universitas Mataram rejected the screening of ‘Pesta Babi’ to maintain campus conduciveness. “This film is not good to watch; it’s better to have a screening of a football match,” said Sujita at Universitas Mataram on 7 May 2026.

Dandhy Laksono views the pretext of maintaining conduciveness as further revealing the paradox perpetrated by the campus. He reminded that the campus is the most conducive place to discuss or debate various matters considered unsuitable for public spaces.

Moreover, he claimed that the film ‘Pesta Babi’ had previously been watched by junior high school students, high school students, and those in Islamic boarding schools. “It’s very strange that outside the campus, the film is considered conducive,” said Dandhy.

The documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’ depicts the impacts of land and industrial expansion on the loss of customary forests, traditional food, and local sovereignty in Papua.

This 90-minute film highlights the struggles of indigenous communities in Papua, such as in Merauke, Boven Digoel, and Mappi, against the expansion of national strategic projects (PSN).