Yasinta Moiwend Files Police Report Over Defamation Claims

Papuan indigenous leader Yasinta Moiwend has spoken out against allegations that she used a private jet to travel to Jakarta, calling the accusations cruel and malicious slander. Known as Mama Sinta, she denied being under tight surveillance when she filed a police report with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Friday, 29 May, regarding her image being used in the film “Pesta Babi”.

“I flew to Jakarta on a regular commercial flight with dozens of other passengers. I don’t know (have never seen) a jet aircraft, and have never boarded one,” Mama Sinta told reporters on Sunday, 30 May.

“Yesterday I went to church, today I went again for worship. Now I’m eating at a street food stall near the church,” she added.

Yasinta also denied being intimidated by any party to retract her opposition to the film’s screening, which led her to file a police report. She denied being detained by anyone.

“I am free in Jakarta (not detained or intimidated by anyone), I can go to Bogor, I can travel anywhere I want without restrictions because I’ve been to Jakarta before, I know the routes well. I’ve visited Jakarta seven times,” she stated.

Furthermore, Yasinta urged her family in Papua not to worry about her safety, stating she is unharmed.

“To my family in Merauke, Wanam, wherever, don’t worry about me. I am safe here,” she insisted.

Previously, Yasinta claimed she was set up during the making of “Pesta Babi”, feeling exploited and disappointed that the film was screened without her consent.

Yasinta then travelled to Jakarta to file a police report with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, naming Johnny Teddy Wakum, the head of LBH Merauke (Merauke Legal Aid Institute), who is being charged under the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP).