DPD RI Deems Dissolution of 'Pesta Babi' Film Screening as Tainting Freedom of Expression

JAKARTA - The Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia considers the dissolution and intimidation of screenings of the documentary film Pesta Babi in several regions to violate guarantees of freedom of expression. “This greatly taints freedom of expression,” said Chairman of DPD RI Committee III Filep Wamafma to Kompas.com on Wednesday (13/5/2026). “We also conveyed concerns about intimidation efforts by certain TNI members against student activities who were watching the film related to (the film) Pesta Babi today,” Filep added. He also regretted the prohibition of the screening carried out by TNI members. The prohibition of the documentary film “Pesta Babi” screening, directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono, occurred in several areas. In Ternate, the “Pesta Babi” screening was dispersed by TNI apparatus. Meanwhile, the screening event at the University of Mataram (Unram) was forced to stop after being dispersed by campus security personnel. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that prohibiting the viewing of a film cannot be done unilaterally. “A film can only be banned according to a court decision, in accordance with the law,” said Pigai, quoted from Antara on Tuesday (12/5/2026).