Threat to democracy’: Indonesian filmmaker decries military crackdown on documentary
Indonesian filmmaker Dandhy Laksono has raised alarms over state-led crackdowns on his latest documentary, Pesta Babi, which examines land seizures and military involvement in West Papua. Laksono describes these interventions as a direct threat to democracy.
State Intervention and ‘Public Order’
The documentary, which explores the social and environmental impacts of large agri-business ventures, is currently showing in approximately 1,700 cinemas across Indonesia. It previously had screenings in Australia and New Zealand.
Laksono reports more than 30 incidents where state apparatus, primarily the military and civil servants, stopped screenings. These actions were reportedly carried out in the name of maintaining “public order.”
The filmmaker disputes these claims, stating that no actual public disorder has occurred during the screenings. He credits the audience for defending their right to access information regarding the situation in West Papua.
Disrupting Powerful Interests
According to Laksono, Pesta Babi has touched a nerve because it directly addresses military interests and investments by multinational corporations in West Papua. He suggests these interests are being disrupted by the film’s revelations.
The filmmaker notes that many Indonesians have felt “blind” to the current situation in West Papua. This is attributed to social media algorithms that are not friendly to the issue and a lack of coverage from Jakarta-based mainstream media.
Laksono highlights that international journalists have been unable to access West Papua, further limiting the flow of verified information to the public.
A National Resonance
The film has resonated with audiences across the republic because the themes of land grabbing and environmental destruction are relatable beyond West Papua. Laksono notes that viewers have commented on the proximity of these issues to their own experiences.
This resonance is linked to increasing military control under the administration of President Prabowo and ongoing agrarian conflicts across Indonesia. While the scale of damage in West Papua may be greater, the essence of the conflict remains a common phenomenon.
Laksono asserts that the government has historically used nationalism to mischaracterize genuine stories from West Papua as threats to the unitary Indonesian republic. However, he believes more citizens are now seeing through this propaganda.
Potential Future Developments
Given the current climate, the Indonesian government may continue to utilize nationalist rhetoric to justify the restriction of documentaries focusing on Papua. This could lead to further friction between state apparatus and cinema operators.
Conversely, the public’s willingness to defend the film suggests that screenings could become catalysts for wider discussions on agrarian reform and military oversight. A possible next step may be an increase in grassroots efforts to bypass official censorship to share information about West Papua.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the documentary Pesta Babi about?
The film examines the social and environmental impacts of land seizures for large agri-business ventures in Papua and the specific role the Indonesian military plays in these activities.
Why are authorities stopping the screenings?
State apparatus, including the military and civil servants, have stopped screenings in over 30 incidents, citing the need to maintain “public order.”
Why do Indonesian audiences find the film relatable?
Audiences see parallels between the situation in West Papua and their own experiences with land grabbing, environmental destruction, and increased military control under President Prabowo’s administration.
Do you believe cinema can be an effective tool for challenging state narratives in regions with limited media access?