Yusril Asks Makers of 'Pig Feast' Film to Explain Title's Meaning

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra believes the title of the documentary film “Pesta Babi: Colonialism in Our Time” has the potential to provoke various interpretations. Therefore, Yusril has asked the scriptwriter, director, or producer involved in making the film Pesta Babi to explain the meaning of the title.

Yusril’s statement responds to the controversy surrounding the cancellation of various screenings of the documentary film by Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Paju Dale in several regions. According to Yusril, openness is not only demanded from the government but also from arts activists.

“If the government is often demanded to be open, then it is time for artists, film scriptwriters, and producers to also act openly and be willing to provide explanations,” Yusril said in a written statement on Thursday, 14 May 2026.

Yusril stated that the government cannot remain silent and hide behind its power. “At the same time, artists cannot remain silent and hide behind freedom of expression,” he said.

Nevertheless, Yusril assured that the government has never instructed a ban on activities screening the documentary film Pesta Babi. Yusril stated that Indonesia is a democratic country, and the government guarantees freedom of expression for every citizen. “However, there is no freedom of expression without moral responsibility, both to oneself and to the public receiving the expression of that freedom,” he said.

Yusril opined that criticism in the documentary film regarding national strategic projects (PSN) in South Papua is reasonable. “Although there is indeed a provocative narrative. The title of the documentary itself is controversial. ‘Pesta Babi: Colonialism in Our Time’ appears to be provocative,” Yusril said.

Yusril also asked the public not to overreact just because of the film title, which he considers deliberately made to attract public attention. “Just let the public watch it, then afterwards hold discussions and debates. In this way, the public becomes critical, and pro and contra views can emerge,” he said.

For Yusril, the criticism conveyed in the Pesta Babi film can also serve as a lesson for the government. “The government can draw wisdom from the film to evaluate if there are any steps in the field that need improvement,” said Yusril.

The documentary film Pesta Babi depicts the impact of land and industrial expansion on the loss of customary forests, traditional food, and local sovereignty in Papua. This 90-minute film highlights the struggles of indigenous communities in Papua, such as in Merauke, Boven Digoel, and Mappi, in resisting the expansion of national strategic projects.