Mama Yasinta controversy: Senator urges public to focus on Papua issues
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - West Papua Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) member Filep Wamafma has urged Papuan communities not to be drawn into controversies over changing stances of certain figures following the screening of the documentary “Pesta Babi” in various regions.
Filep said the public should instead focus on the impacts of large-scale deforestation and the socio-ecological consequences arising from the implementation of National Strategic Projects (PSN) in Papua.
“Public attention must not be diverted by personal issues or shifts in individual stances. Our focus should be on the core problems currently occurring in Papua: large-scale deforestation, land seizures, the displacement of tens of thousands of residents, and structural impacts that will be inherited by future generations,” Filep said on Sunday (31 May 2026).
Filep highlighted ongoing issues shadowing Papua despite optimistic narratives about multi-million-hectare projects, including land ownership disparities, systemic deforestation, and minimal contributions of natural resource utilisation to local community welfare.
“When land falls into the hands of large corporations, communities lose their natural assets. Wealth does not automatically grow with investment as economic value often leaves the region. What remains for communities is often environmental damage and loss of livelihood,” he added.
This includes the displacement of over 103,000 people, increased vulnerability of women and children, large-scale deployment of security forces in certain areas, and threats to biodiversity – Papua’s primary natural wealth.
“The issues that must be discussed are the more than 103,000 people living in displacement, the growing vulnerability of women and children, land and resource control, food concepts that disregard local socio-cultural realities, and the long history of exploitation in Papua that seems never to end,” he stated.
“Our focus must remain on protecting indigenous communities, public safety, environmental sustainability, and Papua’s future. Temporary issues must not obscure the main challenges facing the Papuan people today,” Filep said.
Johnny has been reported over allegations of personal data violations and unauthorised use of identity in the “Pesta Babi” documentary.