Film 'Pig Feast' criticised for neglecting national energy development

Jakarta, VIVA – The documentary film Pesta Babi Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita (Pig Feast), which criticises the National Strategic Program (PSN) in Papua, has drawn criticism from various quarters. Several observers say the narrative presented in the film, which also screened in New Zealand on a limited release basis, is rather provocative because it does not fully acknowledge the context of national energy development and Papua’s future. The criticism arises because development in Papua is seen as inseparable from Indonesia’s need to bolster energy resilience. Indonesia still faces major challenges in the energy sector, particularly dependence on imported oil. To address this, the government is promoting the development of alternative energy sources such as biodiesel and bioethanol as part of a strategy to strengthen national energy autonomy. This policy also serves to anticipate global geopolitical uncertainties that could disrupt the global energy supply chain. Influencer and political communications expert Putra Aji Sujati says that developing energy based on domestic resources is a strategic move to face volatile global dynamics. ‘This time I want to discuss palm oil, yes palm oil, but in the context of the Iran-America-Israel wars. When the Strait of Hormuz is blocked due to this conflict, Mr Prabowo Subianto already has an American card to save our economy through palm oil. I want to tell friends, 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Hormuz Strait. If it is blockaded for more than seven days, global fuel prices will surge and Indonesia, which still relies on energy imports, will face insane inflation. That’s why the B50 programme in 2026 is actually crucial,’ said Putra on his Instagram account @putraajisujati, quoted on Sunday, 8 March 2026. Meanwhile, Matatius Jiginua, a customary leader from Lanny Jaya Regency, Highlands of Papua, emphasised that community support is essential for development to proceed smoothly. ‘All layers of society must continue to maintain a calm climate to ensure economic activity and development can proceed sustainably,’ he said. Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto also stressed that Papua has great potential to become a self-reliant region in the energy sector.