Doco-'Pig Feast, Colonialism in Our Time': The Struggle to Defend Indigenous Land

Note . The Documentary  'Pig Feast, Colonialism in Our Time': The Struggle to Defend Indigenous Land was launched in Jayapura on the 6 March and in Auckland 7 March.

The first Australian screening  in Sydney is on  Friday 13 March at 5PM

Please register for the event here: 

https://dtp.org.au/training/invitation-to-groundbreaking-new-west-papua-film-pig-feast/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQZb1lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3QlBKYWpocnBtSXc1ZE1Rc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqAh7lgoIxGe4pmRAr8R1JAfwMu6HetLLUUeaqSbqN4rPJOOJ5s0sY6euYQ2_aem_KgE2wDv42IMFPzh8rHCHFg

It's a documentary about the world's largest deforestation project, taking place in West Papua.

Belinda Lopez will be speaking to filmmakers Victor Mambor and Dandhy Laksono after the screening, which will be held at the Amnesty International office in Sydney at  Level 1, 79 Myrtle St, Chippendale.

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A google translate. Original Bahasa link

https://jubi.id/polhukam/2026/pesta-babi-kolonialisme-di-zaman-kita-perjuangan-mempertahankan-tanah-adat/

'Pig Feast, Colonialism in Our Time': The Struggle to Defend Indigenous Land

March 7, 2026 in Politics, Law, and Security Reading Time: 4 mins read

Author: Aida Ulim - Editor: Arjuna Pademme

Pre-launch atmosphere of the investigative documentary film "Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time" in Jayapura, Papua, Friday (March 6, 2026) - Jubi/Aida Ulim

Jayapura, Jubi – The investigative documentary film "Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time" tells the story of the struggle of indigenous peoples in South Papua Province to defend their customary land from the onslaught of investment.

Pre-launching events for this documentary were held in various regions across Papua, New Zealand, and Australia from March 5, 2026, to March 18, 2026.

In Jayapura City, Papua, Solidaritas Merauke held a pre-launch on Friday (March 6, 2026).

The film, directed by Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Dale, is a collaboration between Jubi Media, Watchdoc, Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru, Pusaka Bentala Rakyat, and Greenpeace Indonesia.

The film "Pesta Babi" captures the dynamics that occur in the southern region of Papua when networks of politicians, investors, the military, and the church confront social movements and indigenous communities defending their customary lands.

Theresia Putri of Greenpeace Indonesia, who was part of the film-making team, said the documentary highlights the struggle of the Marind, Yei, Awyu, and Muyu indigenous peoples who oppose palm oil-based biodiesel projects and sugarcane-based bioethanol designed for vehicle fuel.

"Through these stories, this film depicts the impact of large-scale development projects on customary lands and the living spaces of the Papuan people," said Theresia Putri during the film's pre-launch in Jayapura City on Friday (March 6, 2026).

The film also touches on the broader political context, including issues of separatism and the long history of Indonesian military operations over more than six decades, which are linked to the exploitation of natural resources in Papua.

According to Theresia, the pre-launch aims to bring the film back to the people of Papua before its wider public release.

"The main goal of this activity is to bring the film back to its home, namely Papua, before it is screened widely to the public," she said.

This pre-screening also aims to gather input from the Papuan community, particularly the indigenous communities directly affected by the National Strategic Projects (PSN) depicted in the film.

Theresia Putri explained that the committee provided a space for audiences to provide responses and reflections on the film's content. Audience members wrote down their feedback in notes posted at the screening location.

"These comments from the audience will provide input for the production team and the film's collaborators," he said.

According to Theresia Putri, audience feedback regarding the film's plot will be brought to the production team for discussion with the director and producers.

"We will bring this input to the production team for joint discussion," she said.

She hopes that when the film is released publicly, the content and messages conveyed truly represent the voices, concerns, and experiences of indigenous Papuans who have been directly impacted by various development projects in Papua.

"The official launch of "Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita" (Pest of Pigs: Colonialism in Our Time) is planned for next April, although the exact schedule will be announced later by the production team," she said.

She said the film is still in the pre-launch stage in several locations before its official public release.

The pre-launch took place in Mabari Village, Merauke Regency, the capital of South Papua, and will continue in several other locations there.

The production team also held preliminary screenings in New Zealand and Australia.

Cenderawasih University anthropologist Dr. Hanro Lekitoo, commenting at the documentary's pre-launch, stated that the film reflects a new form of colonialism, where the control of indigenous people's living spaces occurs through large-scale development projects.

"This film successfully depicts the realistic living conditions of indigenous people in Papua, especially those facing pressure from various development projects," said Henro Lekitoo.

He also offered input on the film, suggesting it should begin with a pig feast, as the title suggests.

He noted that indigenous groups in Papua, such as the Marind, Yei, and Awyu, have a very close relationship with nature.

Some of them live as gatherers and hunter-gatherers, relying directly on the forest and its surrounding environment for their livelihoods.

According to him, the relationship between Melanesian people and nature is not only economic, but also spiritual and cultural. Nature is seen as part of the relationship with other humans, ancestors, and God.

Therefore, environmental damage not only impacts ecology but also culture and community identity.

"If the forest is lost, people question how they can continue their lives," he said.

Henro Lekitoo stated that environmental damage can trigger leukocide, which is the massive destruction of the environment.

The impact is not limited to nature but also triggers the loss of culture, including language, traditions, local knowledge, and community identity.

If the sago forests, the staple food of indigenous Papuans, are damaged or lost, the community will be forced to rely on external food sources such as rice, which could ultimately lead to dependence on an economic system different from their culture.

Henro Lekitoo continued, land has a very strong political dimension because it is the foundation of community life. He also criticized various development mistakes that have occurred in other regions, such as Kalimantan, which are being repeated in Papua.

"This film should be seen by the wider public, especially students and the younger generation, to gain a more critical understanding of the situation," he said.

This film is expected to raise public awareness about the conditions faced by indigenous peoples in Papua and encourage reflection on the direction of ongoing development.

"Development should bring prosperity to the community, not sacrifice the living space of indigenous peoples and the environment they have protected for generations," he said. (*)

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2) Indonesia sets 2028 deadline for Papua government centers 

3) Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services  

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/papuan-man-shot-dead-during-security-operation-in-tembagapura-mimika-regency/

1) Papuan man shot dead during security operation in Tembagapura, Mimika regency

6 March 2026 / 4 minutes of reading

On 2 March 2026, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) shot dead Mr Eanus Mom, a civilian gold miner, during a security operation conducted by near Mile 69 in the PT Freeport Indonesia mining concession area, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. During the same operation, seven individuals were arbitrarily detained, including Mr Wainus Kogoya, Head of RT 07 in Utikini Dua Village, and Mr Nopenius Murib, an internally displaced resident from the Ilaga District who had sought refuge in Utikini Baru SP 12. According to family members and community representatives, the deceased and the detained individuals were civilians and not members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), as publicly claimed by the Indonesian military.

According to official information released by the Indonesian military, TNI members conducted a security operation after receiving reports of an armed attack allegedly carried out by members of the TPNPB in the Tembagapura area. The operation took place on 2 March 2026 in the evening at approximately 6:00 pm near Mile 69 of the PT Freeport Indonesia mining area. Military authorities stated that TPNPB opened fire at a patrol team, which reportedly returned fire and subsequently raided the surrounding area. According to the TNI statement, one TPNPB member was killed and six others were arrested during the operation.,Several items, including an air rifle, and traditional weapons such as arrows and bows were allegedly confiscated.

Family members and local residents dispute this account. According to relatives of the deceased, Mr Eanus Mom, was a civilian working as a gold miner in Kali Kabur  and had no involvement with the TPNPB. A family member stated that military members hsot dead Mr Mom at Post 4 Utikini during the operation.

Following the incident, the body and detainees were reportedly taken to Koramil 1710-04/Tembagapura. On 3 March 2026, Mr Mom’s body was transported by ambulance to the family residence in Route 4, Kwamki Narama District in the afternoon (see video below, source: indpendent HRD). Upon arrival, the body remained in the ambulance for several hours while security officials and local government representatives talked with the family. The relatives demanded accountability for the killing and reiterated that the victim was not affiliated with any armed group.

At the same time, members of the extended family from Utikini Baru SP 12 called upon the the TNI and Police authorities in Mimika Regency to immediate release Mr Wainus Kogoya and Mr Nopenius Murib, asserting that both men were civilian residents with no involvement in armed activities (see video below, source: indepndent HRD). All detaniees were released without charges on 6 March 2026.

Human rights analysis

The incident raises serious concerns regarding the use of lethal force by security forces during military operations in civilian areas, particularly in the absence of transparent evidence that the victim was directly participating in hostilities. If the victim was a civilian, the shooting may constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life under international human rights law.

The killing of a civilian during a security operation may constitute a violation of the right to life as enshrined in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly if lethal force was used without necessity or proportionality, or if the victim did not pose an imminent threat. According to the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, security forces must strictly adhere to the principles of necessity, proportionality, precaution, and accountability when using force.

In addition, the detention of civilians during security sweeps without clear evidence or due process safeguards may violate protections against arbitrary arrest and detention as stipulated in Article 9 ICCPR. The absence of an immediate independent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting and detention also raises concerns regarding impunity and the failure of authorities to ensure effective remedies for victims and their families.

Furthermore, the conflicting narratives between military authorities and the victim’s family highlight the lack of transparency and independent oversight in security operations in the Papuan provinces, particularly in areas surrounding major extractive industry sites such as the PT Freeport Indonesia mining complex in Tembagapura. The continued detention of individuals without due procedure also raises concerns regarding arbitrary arrest and potential criminalisation of civilians suspected of supporting or being associated with armed groups.

Relatives received Mr Eanus Mom’s body on 3 March 2026

Community members called for the immediate release Mr Wainus Kogoya and Mr Nopenius Murib, asserting that both men were civilian residents

Detailed Case Data
Location: Tembagapura, Arwandop, Kec. Tembagapura, Kabupaten Mimika, Papua Tengah, Indonesia (-4.333333, 137) near Mile 69 in the PT Freeport Indonesia mining concession area
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, Tembagapura
Total number of victims: 7

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Eanus Mom	male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	execution, right to life, unlawful killing
2.	1	Wainus Kogoya	male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention
3.	1	Nopenius Murib	male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention
4.	1		male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention
5.	1		male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention
6.	1		male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention
7.	1		male	adult	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention

Period of incident: 02/03/2026 – 02/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Military (TNI)

Perpetrator details: Members of the Kodim 1710/Mimika

Issues: indigenous peoples

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/407415/indonesia-sets-2028-deadline-for-papua-government-centers

2) Indonesia sets 2028 deadline for Papua government centers 

 March 7, 2026 19:23 GMT+700

Jayawijaya, Highland Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has set a 2028 deadline for completing the construction of the government core areas (KIPP) in all four new autonomous provinces of Papua, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ribka Haluk said.

She confirmed the agenda after conducting a firsthand inspection of a KIPP development site in Hubikosi, Jayawijaya District, Highland Papua, alongside Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti and Highland Papua Governor John Tabo.

In a statement received here on Saturday, Haluk said the government had designated the four KIPPs as national strategic projects, with President Prabowo Subianto expected to inaugurate them upon completion.

She referred to the provinces of Highland Papua, Central Papua, Southwest Papua, and South Papua—all established in 2022 as expansions from Papua and West Papua.

Haluk reported that the South Papua KIPP had completed development and been functional since January 5 this year, while physical construction in Southwest Papua had reached 90 percent.

She added that the government launched the development of the Central Papua KIPP on December 29, 2025, with progress recorded at 3.21 percent.

Furthermore, she noted that the Highland Papua KIPP had advanced to the detailed engineering design (DED) stage, which examines technical aspects, including structural and budget plans.

“The DED will serve as the primary guide for construction. This process will be followed by a project auction in June 2026,” she said.

She explained that the DED was prepared by the Highland Papua government after a feasibility study and the introduction of a preliminary design to minimize risks, pursue budget efficiency, and ensure compliance with standards.

In its initial phase, she continued, the Highland Papua project will focus on the governor’s office and legislative buildings.

She further remarked that the Home Affairs Ministry would continue coordination with the Public Works Ministry to ensure optimal development of KIPPs in all four new autonomous regions.

Related news: Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services
Related news: Indonesian minister pushes export villages to boost West Papua economy

Translator: Yudhi E, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/407323/papua-launches-healthy-program-to-strengthen-primary-health-services

3) Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services  

March 6, 2026 17:22 GMT+700

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Deputy Governor of Papua Aryoko Rumaropen launched the “Healthy Program” in three regions of Papua, namely Jayapura City, Jayapura District, and Keerom District, a collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Canadian Government.

“The program aims to strengthen collaboration and managerial capacity in primary health services, especially at community health centers (puskesmas), which are the frontline of public health,” Rumaropen said after the launch at the Papua Governor’s Office on Friday.

According to Rumaropen, the initiative focuses on enhancing primary health service management at local health centers and lower-level facilities.

“Strengthening basic health services is crucial due to the still-high maternal mortality rates in several areas. Increasing the capacity of health workers at puskesmas is expected to improve service quality for vulnerable groups,” he added.

The program also stressed reproductive health services for women, particularly pregnant women and adolescent girls, allowing for earlier health interventions through primary health facilities.

“By enhancing the capacity of health workers at puskesmas, services for pregnant women, women, and reproductive health can be delivered faster and more effectively,” he said.

He added that Papua Province was chosen as one of the program’s implementation areas, with three regions serving as pilot project sites.

“Moreover, the program is planned to run until 2032 and is expected to expand to other areas in Papua in the next phase,” he said.

He explained that the government expected the program would eventually extend beyond the initial three regions to six more districts, bringing the total coverage to nine areas.

“Strengthening basic health services through this program is also expected to support government efforts to reduce stunting, as maternal and child health services are a key factor in prevention,” he added.

Related news: Toward a Healthy Papua: Equal health insurance for all

Related news: Papua launches healthy schools

Related news: West Papua taps public spaces to boost Free Health Check uptake

Translator: Qadri, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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Red cloth and paint: Papuan indigenous people's efforts to protect the world's lungs

 

A  google translate.

Original Bahasa link

https://jubi.id/domberai/2026/kain-dan-cat-merah-upaya-masyarakat-adat-papua-jaga-paru-paru-dunia/

Red cloth and paint: Papuan indigenous people's efforts to protect the world's lungs

March 6, 2026 in Domberai, Environment Reading Time: 4 mins read

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Author: Gamaliel Kaliele - Editor: Angela Flassy

Indigenous people mark trees in the forest as boundaries of their customary areas - Jubi/Gamaliel

Teminabuan, Jubi – Indigenous elders, women, and youth, along with Jubi journalists, walked through the Kordaimahkrah, Sun, Mondarmbe, and Nimadaduk forests in Konda District, South Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua. They carried red cloth and paint to mark the forest's trees as customary territory boundaries, based on natural landmarks such as large trees, rivers, and mountains that have long served as boundaries for customary rights between clans, Wednesday (March 4, 2026).

The forest they have long protected is under threat from the expansion of the palm oil company PT Anugerah Sakti Internusa (ASI), which holds a concession of approximately 37,000 hectares in the Konda and Teminabuan Districts. Of these, 14,000 hectares are located on the customary lands of these indigenous people.

Yance Mondar, a community leader from Nakna Village, stated that through this action, the indigenous people of Konda District are sending a strong message to companies and the government that customary forests are not investment-free areas and that these lands have a history, ownership, and life that cannot be replaced with money or promises of development.

"We reject oil palm, not because we don't want development, but because oil palm will destroy the forests that have long been part of our lives and beliefs," he said.

"If the forest disappears, our livelihoods will also disappear, and our ancestral heritage will also disappear," he said.

The South Sorong Regency Government revoked the plantation business permit of PT Anugerah Sakti Internusa (ASI) on May 20, 2021, through South Sorong Regent Decree No. 025/104/BSS/V/2021. The reason was that when PT ASI obtained the permit, it failed to comply with the obligations stipulated in the IUP, such as the indigenous community's failure to consent to the company's acquisition of customary land and forest. PT ASI's lawsuit was filed with the State Administrative Court (PTUN) and the Supreme Court, and the indigenous community won.

Despite the legal standing, PT ASI has recently continued its efforts to obtain the indigenous community's permit by conducting outreach campaigns, as happened three weeks ago. While state apparatus is being used to threaten indigenous communities, the communities continue to strive to protect tropical forests, which are the lungs of the entire world.

Jubi journalists embarked on a long journey on foot through the wilderness from the nearest village early in the morning, without vehicles and without communication.

The only guides were the traditional elders who had lived alongside the forest since childhood.

The deeper they went into the jungle, the denser and quieter the atmosphere became. Large trees towered tall, some exceeding one meter in diameter and estimated to have been living for hundreds of years. The thick canopy allowed only a thin layer of sunlight to penetrate the forest floor. Giant tree roots spread through the damp soil, while the sounds of birds and wildlife could occasionally be heard in the distance.

"For us, the indigenous people of Konda District, this forest is more than just a natural expanse; every large tree, small river, and mountain ridge marks the boundaries of our customary territory," said Mondar.

These boundaries are not written on national maps, but live in the collective memory of the indigenous people.

During the journey, dozens of indigenous people gathered to perform a ritual and then planted traditional stakes to mark the boundaries of their customary rights.

Yance Mondar said the forest patrols and the installation of customary stakes were carried out to protect the area from the threat of oil palm plantation expansion.

"We surveyed and created these customary markers because a company and several other parties are planning to let in oil palm plantations. So we are also afraid and must protect our customary land," he said.

He said the community is worried that if the forest area is cleared for oil palm plantations, they will lose their living space.

"If oil palm plantations come in, they will destroy our small forest. Where will we live? Where will we hunt? Where will we farm? So, we can't give up these rights if this area is cultivated for oil palm, then where will our lives be?" said Yance Mondar.

The forest patrol attended by Jubi journalists involved various clans, including Mondar, Kareth, Sarus, Sianggo, Karet, and Kemeray. They included traditional elders, women, and even youth.

Red cloth and red paint marked large trees as symbols of customary prohibitions.

Throughout their reporting journey, Jubi journalists also found signs of wildlife: wild boar tracks were visible in the damp soil, while the sounds of cassowaries and birds of paradise could be heard from within the forest.

"This forest is also a habitat for various animals such as cuscuses, tree kangaroos, deer, and various species of native birds," said Grice Mondar, standing, pointing to the dense expanse of large trees surrounding him.

He explained that the forest is a primary food source for indigenous communities who still depend on nature.

"In this forest, wild boars, cassowaries, laulau, kangaroos, cuscuses, maleo, deer, and many other wild animals live here. So, our extended family rejects the oil palm plantation," he said.

Besides being a hunting ground, the forest also serves as a living space for indigenous women. They collect various medicinal plants and craft materials from the forest for their families' needs.

Mama Fransina Sianggo explained that various household needs come from nature. "This forest barrel is used for medicinal purposes when a family member is sick. We also collect mat leaves and grass to make noken (traditional bamboo baskets) and mats for the family's needs," she said.

Yulian Kareth, an Afsya traditional leader who participated in the forest patrol, emphasized that the indigenous people will not hand over their territory to any company, because this forest is not empty land; it has its owners.

"So, we will always reject oil palm," he asserted.

The forest is their home, their source of life, and a spiritual space that connects them to their ancestors. Therefore, planting customary stakes in the forest is not only a symbol of territorial boundaries, but also a form of resistance by indigenous peoples to maintain their identity, culture, and the future of their generations as the lungs of the world. (*)

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West Papua advocates call for solidarity as displacement and deforestation escalate

 https://pmn.co.nz/read/pacific-region/west-papua-advocates-call-for-solidarity-as-displacement-and-deforestation-escalate

West Papua advocates call for solidarity as displacement and deforestation escalate

A two -day forum in Auckland will discuss the issues facing West Papuans who face mass displacement, environmental destruction, and militarisation. The forum aims to amplify their voices and build Pacific solidarity.

Khalia Strong PUBLISHED 06 March 2026, 3:41pm

West Papua advocates Catherine Delahunty and Dorthea Wabiser.

Photo/Composite

Indigenous communities in West Papua are losing land, food systems, and cultural heritage as armed conflict forces tens of thousands from their homes.

The Melanesian nation has faced decades of militarisation and exploitation since being annexed by Indonesia in the 1960s, following the controversial transfer of the region by the United Nations.

Dorothea Wabiser, a West Papuan advocate, calls the situation “slow-motion genocide.” Speaking on Pacific Mornings, she says families in the Porgera highlands are desperately seeking safety.

“There are currently more than 100,000 IDPs [internally displaced persons] in Papua leaving their homes, because of the conflict between the military, who want to own the gold deposits within the highlands,” Wabiser says.

Another crisis is the government’s National Strategic Project, repurposing two million hectares of forest for sugarcane plantations and rice fields. Wabiser says this is impacting their surroundings and forcibly changing their eating habits.

“Because they cut down all of our indigenous food, the sago tree…diet patterns within the communities are changing. Our body characteristics are changing because we now depend on other food instead of our own indigenous food.”

Wabiser says international attention is limited by media restrictions and political interests, with journalists often blocked from reporting. She stresses the role of solidarity: “The government will listen to you if a lot of people talk about it… it will become a pressure to our government to say something about it.”

Catherine Delahunty, a West Papua advocate and former Green Party MP, is passionate about the nation’s plight.

“Ever since the 1960s…human rights abuses, military occupation, destruction of the environment, abuse of the people based on very racist ideology…this is what we call a structural genocide,” she tells Pacific Mornings.

Delahunty is calling for greater awareness and support, highlighting that Pacific and Māori communities respond with a shared lens of colonisation.

“Tangata whenua and tangata Pasifika people, immediately they're like, ‘Right, what can we do to help?’ Some other people, politicians, are pretty indifferent. But we still need to keep the people who don’t even know where West Papua is on the map aware.”

An opportunity to connect

The two-day West Papua Solidarity Forum in Auckland this weekend offers the public a chance to learn and act. The forum begins today with panels on militarisation, environmental destruction, community organising, and human rights abuses.

It continues on Saturday, March 8, at The Taro Patch in Papatoetoe from 9-4pm, with workshops, cultural discussions, and relationship-building.

The weekend also includes a mini-film screening on Friday evening, introduced by Indonesian journalist Victor Mambor.

The film documents local resistance to the Strategic National Project. “People there, they resist, and they try to fight the project and the people who operate the project. And it's still going on now. We're trying to capture the situation there. This is the biggest deforestation in the world,” Mambor says.

Watch Dorthea Wabiser and Catherine Delahunty's full interview below.

Wabiser says sharing these stories is vital for future generations.

“It is not an empty land. These forests have our history, sacred places and culture. There is music, games, and sports within these forests, and we want to keep it. We want to maintain it. We have a responsibility for my generation and future generations,” she says.

Delahunty adds that solidarity requires both awareness and action. “Victor and Dorothea go out every day trying to defend a forest which protects our climate, and we need to recognise that what they do for their own country, they also do for us. We are not separate…We need to get together with our voices to support free West Papua.”

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