Documentary ‘Pesta Babi’ Goes Viral: How to Watch and Requirements for Viewing

The documentary ‘Pesta Babi: Colonialism in Our Era’ is currently a subject of intense discussion on social media. Directed by Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Paju Dale, the work has captured public attention by highlighting the struggles of indigenous communities in Papua to defend their ancestral lands from the expansion of large-scale projects in the South Papua region.

Unlike typical films released in cinemas or on streaming platforms, ‘Pesta Babi’ can only be viewed through official community screening events organised by designated organisers. This limited distribution system has piqued public curiosity regarding how to access the film.

The documentary focuses on the lives of indigenous groups such as the Malind, Yei, Awyu, and Muyu tribes in South Papua. The narrative centres on the impacts of large-scale land clearing for palm oil plantations, bioethanol projects, and integrated food zones, which are said to affect the living spaces of local communities.

The title ‘Pesta Basting’ (Pig Feast) is derived from a Papuan indigenous tradition that symbolises unity and community strength. In local culture, a pig feast is not merely a communal meal but also a vital social symbol and ritual for indigenous peoples.

The film is a collaborative production involving WatchDoc, Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru, Greenpeace, and local Papuan media. Due to its sensitive themes, its screenings have drawn significant attention in several regions.

Unlike other commercial films, ‘Pesta Babi’ is not freely available on streaming platforms or official YouTube channels. The producers have opted for a limited distribution system to ensure the security of the distribution and to prevent illegal dissemination.

The only legal way to watch this film is through official community screening events organised by universities, organisations, or specific community groups. For those wishing to watch, organisers provide a specific registration mechanism. Potential hosts or communities must register their screening event through official forms shared by organisers such as WatchDoc Indonesia and Indonesia Baru. In the registration form, organisers are required to provide details including the person in charge, the screening location, the number of participants, the date and time of the event, and active contact information.