Dissolution of 'Pesta Babi' Film Screening by TNI Protested, Response from Parliament to Pigai

Wakil Ketua Komisi XIII DPR Andreas Hugo Pareira has protested the disbandment of a public screening event (nobar) of the documentary film titled ‘Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita’. Andreas views this action as a serious violation of citizens’ constitutional rights. “The involvement of TNI personnel in disbanding the screening and viewing together activities of the documentary film Pesta Babi in Ternate city and several other areas is a form of action that tarnishes citizens’ rights to enjoy artistic works that hold value in freedom of expression, including criticising government policies that harm society,” Andreas told reporters on Tuesday (12/5/2026). The legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction questioned the motives behind the ban on the Pesta Babi film screening. Andreas doubts the state threat posed by the film. “Why must watching an artistic work be obstructed by the military? Is this a threat to national defence?” Andreas stated. Andreas considers the military’s actions to be excessive. Andreas feels that the TNI’s actions constitute a form of suppression of freedom of expression. “In fact, such forced prohibitions only encourage the public to become even more curious about watching the documentary artistic work Pesta Babi,” Andreas said. Therefore, Andreas signals that there should be no ban on the Pesta Babi film screening. “It is not impossible that this film work, due to its critical value, will receive international awards. It would be embarrassing if it is banned domestically, while the international community awards it,” Andreas said. Previously, TNI personnel were reported to have disbanded the Pesta Babi film screening event in Ternate, North Maluku, on Friday (8/5/2026). The disbandment was carried out directly by the Commander of Military District 1501/Ternate, Colonel Inf Jani Setiadi.