Megawati Moved to Tears by 'Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time' Documentary: 'It's True'

Former Indonesian President and Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Megawati Soekarnoputri admitted shedding tears while watching the documentary ‘Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time’. The film, directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono and Cypri Dale, depicts the struggle of indigenous communities in South Papua against government and corporate projects converting forests and customary lands into palm oil industrial zones, sugarcane plantations, and large-scale food projects. ‘I cried when I watched ’Pig Feast’. It’s true,’ Megawati said at a National Policy Dialogue titled ‘Maritime Sovereignty Based on Marine Biological Wealth: Orchestrating Knowledge, Innovation, and Geopolitics in Indonesia’s Blue Economy’ last Friday, according to UGM’s website on Monday, 25 May 2026. Megawati highlighted environmental issues and national development directions she believes are moving away from national sovereignty. She criticised extractive approaches to natural resource management that have caused environmental damage, agricultural land conversion, and disregard for indigenous rights. According to Megawati, it is crucial to respect customary law and local communities’ rights in natural resource management. ‘How many forests are turned into palm oil plantations for what purpose? There are customary traditions, customary laws, and territorial laws there. They want to be respected – is that wrong?’ she said. As PDI Perjuangan’s chairperson, she urged all national elements to strengthen confidence in their own capabilities and stand independently in managing national natural resources. Indonesia, she added, must not rely on other countries in managing natural wealth or determining the nation’s development direction. ‘A great nation is one that trusts its own strength; the sea must once again become the path to Indonesia’s civilisational advancement,’ Megawati said.