Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the documentary film “Pesta Babi” (Pig Feast). Following reports of various public screenings being forcibly shut down, Yusril clarified that these actions were not carried out under the direction of the central government or national security apparatus.
The Minister noted that the film’s reception has been inconsistent across different regions, pointing out that not every campus has prohibited its screening. According to Yusril, while events at the University of Mataram and UIN Mataram in Lombok were cancelled due to administrative procedural issues, screenings in other cities such as Bandung and Sukabumi proceeded smoothly without any interference.
Regarding the content of the documentary, Yusril described the critiques presented in “Pesta Babi” as natural. However, he warned that the title itself carries a provocative tone and urged the public to remain level-headed. “Let the public watch it, and then let there be discussions and debates. This way, the public becomes critical, and both pros and cons can emerge,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of intellectual discourse over suppression.
Yusril also took the opportunity to refute allegations that National Strategic Projects (PSN) in South Papua constitute a form of modern colonialism. He maintained that Papua is an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). He argued that land clearing for development in Papua is no different from projects occurring in Kalimantan or other islands across the archipelago.
The Minister further challenged the creators of the film to be transparent about their creative choices. He expressed hope that the scriptwriters, director, and producers would explain the specific meaning behind the title “Pesta Babi,” noting that it is open to multiple interpretations. “The government cannot remain silent by hiding behind authority and power; at the same time, artists cannot remain silent and hide behind the shield of freedom of expression,” Yusril remarked.
Directed by Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Dale, the 95-minute documentary focuses on the plight of indigenous tribes such as the Marind, Awyu, Yei, and Muyu. The film highlights how these communities are losing their ancestral lands and living spaces due to the rapid expansion of sugarcane plantations, palm oil industries, and food estate projects. Public interest in the documentary has intensified following reports of attempted dispersals of “nonton bareng” (public viewing) events in several regions, including Lombok and Ternate.
Summary
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has denied that the central government or national security apparatus were behind the forced closures of “Pesta Babi” documentary screenings. He clarified that while some events, such as those at the University of Mataram, were cancelled due to administrative issues, others in cities like Bandung and Sukabumi proceeded smoothly. Yusril emphasized the importance of public discourse and debate around the film’s critiques, despite finding its title provocative.
The Minister also refuted claims that National Strategic Projects in South Papua are a form of modern colonialism, asserting that development there is consistent with other regions across Indonesia. Yusril challenged the film’s directors, Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Dale, to explain the specific meaning behind the documentary’s title, “Pesta Babi.” The 95-minute film focuses on indigenous tribes losing their ancestral lands to expanding sugarcane, palm oil, and food estate projects, drawing increased public interest after reports of attempted screening disruptions.
