Mama Sinta Disappointed by Unauthorised Screening of 'Pesta Babi' Film: 'I'm Heartbroken, They Are Criminals'

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Yasinta Moiwend, an indigenous woman and environmental activist from Merauke, South Papua, also known as Mama Sinta, expressed disappointment after her image appeared in the film ‘Pesta Babi’ without her consent. She stated she was hurt and disadvantaged by the unauthorised use of her likeness in the documentary directed by Dandhy Laksono.

‘They’ve been screening the Pesta Babi film everywhere. I’m heartbroken, I’m so disappointed! Without my permission, without any discussion. They’re criminals,’ Sinta said when met at the Metro Jaya Regional Police Headquarters on Friday (29 May 2026).

She had believed she was merely attending a pig-slaughtering event. However, upon entering the hall, she was shocked to see her face displayed on screen.

Yasinta felt treated as an object that could be displayed without consent, even likening herself to carved items. The film is now easily accessible on YouTube platforms and at community screening events organised by environmental and social activists.

‘Why can my face be taken everywhere through this film? Am I a doll? Am I an Asmat statue that’s been carved? Papuans call that an Asmat statue, a carving. I am not an Asmat carving!’ she insisted.

Consequently, Yasinta has reported Johnny Teddy Wakum, the Chairman of Merauke Legal Aid Institute (LBH), who is named as the film’s responsible party, to the Metro Jaya Regional Police.

Her legal representative, Hamonangan T.S. Daulay, stated the report was filed to protect her client’s privacy rights.

‘The reason for filing this report is to safeguard Mama Sinta’s confidentiality. We will await the official press release from the Metro Jaya Regional Police, as this matter is now part of the case,’ he said.