PDIP: Ban on 'Pesta Babi' Film Screening Sparks Public Curiosity
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has questioned the rationale behind the actions of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in disbanding public screenings and discussions of the film ‘Pesta Babi’ in several regions across Indonesia.
The Head of PDIP’s Membership and Organisation Division, Andreas Hugo Pareira, stated that every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the constitution, including the right to consume artistic works such as the film ‘Pesta Babi’.
“Forcing a ban on watching the film will only spark greater public curiosity to watch it,” Andreas said via a text message on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
He explained that the military’s argument that the film, directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono and Cypri Paju Dale, is provocative and lacks official censorship certification cannot be legitimised as a basis for banning or deeming it unfit for consumption.
According to Andreas, it is possible that the film ‘Pesta Babi’ could even receive awards from outside Indonesia due to the messages and critical values presented in each screening.
“It would be embarrassing if it is banned domestically, but the international public actually gives it an award,” said the Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR (House of Representatives).
The Head of Information for the Cenderawasih Military Command (Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih), Colonel Tri Purwanto, said that the spread of tendentious visual narratives without censorship in the documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’ risks pitting the public against the government’s strategic national projects.
“This film has the potential to trigger misunderstandings and disrupt social harmony,” Tri said via WhatsApp on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
He explained that the security and social stability, especially 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, so it is important for the public to be more selective about the narratives and discourses that are developing.
The Indonesian Army, through Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that public order is maintained.
Tri added that in an effort to maintain public order, the TNI 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 shifted to more educational, legal, and constructive forums,” he said.
The documentary film ‘Pesta Babi’ 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 film, which lasts approximately 90 minutes, highlights the struggles of indigenous communities in Papua, such as in Merauke, Boven Digoel, and Mappi, against expansion and military involvement in PSN (National Strategic Areas).
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