Military Command: 'Pesta Babi' Film Disrupts Social Harmony in Papua
The Cenderawasih Military Command is appealing to the public, especially in the Papua region, to be discerning in their consumption and understanding of current discourses, including the film ‘Pesta Babi’.
The Chief of Information for the Cenderawasih XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Colonel Tri Purwanto, stated that the spread of potentially biased visual narratives without proper censorship, as seen in the documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’, carries the risk of pitting the community against national strategic projects.
“This film has the potential to cause misunderstandings and disrupt social harmony,” Tri said via WhatsApp message on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
He explained that the security and social stability, particularly in the Papua region, must be maintained, given the ongoing development projects in the region.
According to Tri, these development projects are intended to improve the welfare of the Papuan people, making it important for the community to be more selective about the narratives and discourses that are circulating.
The Indonesian Army, through the Cenderawasih XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that public order is maintained.
Tri added that in its efforts to maintain public order, the military will also involve other elements, including community leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youth leaders, and other elements of Papuan society.
“We urge that discussion forums be redirected to more educational, legal, and constructive platforms,” he said.
The documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’, directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono and Cypri Paju Dale, depicts the impact of land and industrial expansion on the loss of customary forests, traditional food, and the sovereignty of local communities in Papua.
The approximately 90-minute film highlights the struggles of indigenous communities in Papua, such as in Merauke, Boven Digoel, and Mappi, against expansion and the military’s involvement in national strategic projects.
Previously, screenings and discussions of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ in several regions were met with disruptions, both by the military and university administrations. In Ternate, the event was dispersed by soldiers from the 1501/Ternate Military District, citing provocative content and an unsuitable atmosphere.
In West Nusa Tenggara, three universities, including the University of Mataram, the University of Mandalika, and the Islamic University of Mataram, banned the screening of the film, arguing that it discredited the Indonesian government.
However, at the University of Gunung Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara, the screening of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ proceeded smoothly. The rector allowed the students to watch the film, citing the importance of freedom of expression.