Devastating new ‘ecocide’ film to premiere at West Papua solidarity forum weekend
By APR editor - March 5, 2026
Asia Pacific Report
A new documentary film on the devastating “ecocide” happening in West Papua will be screened as a world premiere at a weekend solidarity forum in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend.
The 90m feature film, Pesta Babi (“The Pig Feast”) — Colonialism In Our Time, produced by award-winning Papuan journalist Victor Mambor and directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono, tells a story about the impact of the Indonesian government and military on the lives of thousands of Papuans trying to protect their rainforests from destruction.
It also relates the plight of thousands of internal refugees in the Melanesian region.
The peaceful resistance of local communities is revealed in the documentary as they face up to 54,000 Indonesian troops and large corporate entities make big profits at the expense of an ancient culture.
Dorthea Wabiser of the environmental and human rights group Pusaka, will speak on the deforestation and displacement of communities in the south-eastern district of Merauke where Indonesia is destroying 2.5 million ha of rainforest for palm oil, sugar cane, biodiesel, rice and other crops.
Military force is deployed to silence any dissent from communities.
Solidarity group hosts The solidarity group West Papua Action Aotearoa with West Papua Action Tāmaki are hosting the two-day public forum on March 7 and 8 with the speakers from West Papua including environmental champions and filmmakers who operate in militarised zones at considerable risk to their personal safety.
Also, a media talanoa featuring Jubi Media founder Victor Mambor and others will be hosted by the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN) at the Whānau Community Centre and Hub on March 9.
“The forum is an important event with a number of speakers and filmmakers from West Papua telling the hidden stories of the Indonesian occupation of their country,” said organiser Catherine Delahunty.
The climate impact of their destruction was incredibly serious as was the use of the military to enforce an end to traditional life, food sources, and forests, she said in a statement.
“These people are our Pacific neighbours with a devastating story to tell that our government and others across the world have chosen to ignore,” she said.
“They have a right to come here and to be heard despite the media bans in Indonesia and the desire of successive New Zealand governments to ignore structural genocide in our region.
‘Kōrero with Victor Mambor’ . . . media forum open to the public, Monday, March 9. Poster: APMN
Other speakers at the forum include veteran activist and writer Maire Leadbeater, Green MP Teanau Tuiono, Hawai’an academic Dr Emalani Case, journalist and author Dr David Robie, Dr Arama Rata of Te Kuaka, and PNG academic Dr Nathan Rew.
Forum Day One (public sessons), Saturday, March 7: Old Choral Hall, University of Auckland, 7 Symonds St, 9am–4pm.
World Premiere of “Pesta Babi” (The Pig Feast) documentary with Q&A – The Academy Cinema, Lorne St, CBD (below the Auckland Public Library), March 7, 6-8.30pm.
Forum Day Two (solidarity development), Sunday, March 8: The Taro Patch, 9 Dunnotar Rd, Papatoetoe.
Media Talanoa, Monday, March 9: “Kōrero with Victor Mambor: West Papua: Journalism as Resistance” – Whānau Community Centre and Hub, 165 Stoddard Rd, Mt Roskill (Next to Harvey Norman), 6-8pm.
Further information: Catherine Delahunty, West Papua Action Tāmaki and West Papua Action Aotearoa. Tel: 021 2421967
1) Series of arbitrary detentions in Dekai continues: Security forces alleged of detaining dozens of Papuan youth without warrant, including minors
4 March 2026 / 4 minutes of reading
Between 21 and 23 February 2026, joint forces of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force conducted a series of arbitrary arrests against at dozens of civilians, including minors and students, in the Kali Biru area, Seradala Road (Kilo 4), and at the old KPU/Bawaslu office on Sohosa Road. Both areas are located in the district of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, where the police has launched a series of arbitrary arrests since January 2026 due to the deteriorating armed conflict in the regency.
The initial mass arrest occurred on 21 February 2026 at the residence of Mr Iwan Payage in Kali Biru and along Seradala Road (Kilo 4). Eleven students and youths were reportedly detained without presentation of arrest warrants. Four detainees were subsequently released on 22 February 2026. Further arrests reportedly occurred on the following day, with another fourteen persons being detained. Mr Amonto Nato, 20, Sonai Giban. 17, Panus Payage, 14, Meli Heluka, 14, Mika (Homi) Eluka, Kris Giban, 16, and Arnius Heluka, 17, remained in custody as of 3 March 2026. and continue to be under investigation without access tp legal counsel. Credible allegations indicate that at least one detainee, Mr Melkim Selek, 30, was subjected to beatings amounting to torture during interrogation at the Yahukimo Police Station.
On 21 February 2026, at approximately 6:00 am, several armoured tactical vehicles operated by the Cartenz Task Force entered the yard of Mr Wan Payage’s residence in Kali Biru, Dekai. Officers surrounded the premises and arrested eleven Papuan youth, most of them still minors. Personal belongings, including motorcycles, mobile phones, bedding, and household utensils, were confiscated and taken to the Yahukimo Police Station. Further arrests reportedly occurred on 22 February 2026 at approximately 4:00 am along Seradala Road (Kilo 4). Members of the Damai Cartenz unit and the Habema Task Force detained the four Papuan youth Feri Alemdam, 15, Olan Alya, 17, Mr Erik Alya, 18, and Eli Malyo, 17, without warrant. Police officers arbitrarily detained another ten persons while patrolling town.
Mr Melkim Selak, 21, was released at 10:23 pm on 23 February 2026 and returned to his family home on Jalan KPU Lama. Security force members had arbitrarily detained him near the old KPU office on 22 February 2026. He stated that no arrest warrant had been presented at the time of arrest. Officers forced them to enter a in a military vehicle which brought them to the Yahukimo District Police Station (Polres Yahukimo). During interrogation, he was allegedly forced to confess to membership in the West Papua National Lioberation Army (TPNPB). Police officers allegedly punched and kicked him with boots to the face and on his back, causing dizziness and physical pain. He reported that the torture ceased only after the Head of Criminal Investigation Unit arrived.
On 23 February 2026, at 9:30 am, members and supporters of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Yahukimo region, together with the families, entered the Yahukimo police station to request an explanation for the arrests (see photo on top, source: KNPB). As of 24 February 2026, eight individuals remained under investigation at the Yahukimo Police Station, including minors aged 14–17. Families reported that in several cases no formal notification of arrest or clear legal basis had been provided, while police officers restricted access to legal counsel. Police officers at the Yahukimo District Police Office (Polres Yahukimo) twice prevented a team of lawyers from visiting the detainees on 27 February and 1 March 2026 under the pretext that their superiors were not present.
Human rights analysis
The pattern of arrests indicates prima facie violations of the right to liberty and security of person as enshrined in Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly in relation to arbitrary arrest and detention. The absence of arrest warrants, failure to inform detainees promptly of the reasons for arrest, and lack of access to legal counsel contravene fair trial guarantees and procedural safeguards under Indonesian law and international human rights law.
The alleged beatings of Mr Melkim Selak during interrogation constitute credible allegations of torture or, at minimum, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment as defined under Article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). The reported coercion to extract confessions raises serious concerns regarding the admissibility of evidence and the prohibition of compelled self-incrimination.
The arrest and detention of minors without demonstrable evidence of criminal conduct, and without the presence of guardians or legal representatives, further violate child protection standards and triggers state responsibility under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The apparent reliance on suspicion of affiliation with the TPNPB in the absence of material evidence suggests discriminatory and collective punishment practices in the context of the ongoing armed political conflict in West Papua.
While the armed confrontation between TPNPB combatants and security forces may amount to a non-international armed conflict in certain areas, civilians must at all times be protected from arbitrary deprivation of liberty and from torture. Security operations must comply with both international human rights law and, where applicable, international humanitarian law.
Security forces search a house in Dekai, February 2026
Some of the Papuan youth arrested in Dekai on 21 and 22 February
2) TNI-Polri vow firm action against armed groups in Papua
March 3, 2026 17:47 GMT+700
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian military and police (TNI-Polri) in Papua are prepared to take firm action against members and supporters of armed criminal groups (KKB) who threaten public security, a senior commander said Tuesday.
Brigadier General Thevi Zebua, chief of staff of the Military Regional Command XVII Cendrawasih, said the measures aim to protect communities and demonstrate state presence in the region.
Speaking during a leadership meeting at Kodam XVII Cendrawasih headquarters in Jayapura, Thevi cited a recent increase in security incidents, prompting joint operations with task forces including Satgas Habema and Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz.
He confirmed combined TNI-Polri teams are targeting KKB in areas such as Nabire and Timika, with operations already producing results.
“The armed groups have targeted teachers and healthcare workers, accusing them of supporting the military, even though their presence serves local communities,” Thevi said.
He emphasized that terrorist actions by these groups cannot be tolerated, and state forces are acting to protect civilians while affirming government authority.
Thevi warned that unchecked violence would harm local populations by deterring teachers and medical personnel from serving in affected areas.
He urged residents to report any suspicious activity or presence of armed groups so TNI-Polri can take preventive and protective measures.
“This is crucial to safeguard the community and ensure continued access to essential services,” he said, stressing the importance of collaboration between security forces and civilians in maintaining peace.
Papuan separatists have intensified attacks across Indonesia’s easternmost provinces in recent years, targeting civilians, workers, and security forces in a campaign aimed at spreading fear and undermining state authority.
Armed groups linked to the Free Papua Movement (OPM) have frequently used hit-and-run tactics against Indonesian troops and staged assaults on civilians in districts including Intan Jaya, Nduga, Yahukimo, and Puncak.
Targets have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, teachers, students, food vendors, and civilian aircraft crews.
Notable incidents include December 2, 2018: Rebels killed 31 workers from PT Istaka Karya building the Trans Papua highway in Kali Yigi and Kali Aurak, Yigi Subdistrict, Nduga District.
February 7, 2023: New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by an armed group led by Egianus Kogoya after landing a Susi Air flight in Nduga District. His aircraft was then set on fire.
April 2025: Sixteen illegal gold miners were shot dead by an armed group in Yahukimo District, Highland Papua.
3) Indonesian minister pushes export villages to boost West Papua economy
March 4, 2026 21:55 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions is prepared to help accelerate rural development in West Papua by optimizing the implementation of various programs, including the export village initiative.
“Villages can now directly conduct export through village-owned enterprises (BUMDes),” Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Minister Yandri Susanto said while receiving West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan at the ministry’s office here on Wednesday.
In line with that, Susanto urged the West Papua provincial government to thoroughly map out the potential of villages that could be developed for export activities.
In addition to export villages, the minister noted that the tourism village program could also accelerate rural development. He asked the governor to designate one village as a pilot project for tourism village development.
He also encouraged the provincial government to participate in developing thematic villages tailored to each village’s unique potential.
“West Papua has also become a locus of the Integrated Village Economic Transformation (TEKAD) program in Manokwari, South Manokwari, Pegunungan Arfak, Fakfak, and Kaimana, covering 185 villages,” he stated.
Earlier during the meeting, Governor Mandacan outlined several priority programs requiring intervention from the ministry across seven regencies, 91 sub-districts, 57 urban villages, and 817 villages.
“We are prioritizing strengthening the rural economy based on local potential. In addition, there are programs in the education and health sectors,” he remarked.
Mandacan also conveyed that the province has been preparing programs to enhance the capacity of village officials and residents, along with rural infrastructure development and initiatives targeting disadvantaged areas.
Meanwhile, Minister Susanto responded positively to the proposals, noting that they align with the "12 Priority Actions in Building Villages, Building Indonesia" agenda.
4) The oligarchy, capitalism and green illusions destroying Papua: Walhi
Suara Papua – February 28, 2026
Reiner Brabar, Jayapura – The Papua Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has issued a strong critique stating that Papua is being pushed to the brink of ecological destruction by a coalition of oligarchs, capitalism and the state, hiding behind the narrative of investment and green development.
Walhi Papua Executive Director Maikel Primus Peuki referred to the relationship between the oligarchy and capitalism as an "illicit love affair between power and capital", which is systematically sacrificing the forests and indigenous communities for the sake of accumulating profits.
He made this statement during a public discussion held at a hotel in Jayapura city, Papua, on Thursday February 26.
The discussion, titled "Fighting the Oligarchy in the Land of Papua", featured four keynote speakers: Peuki, Umbu Wulang, Walhi Institutional Division head, Ester Haluk, a social activist and academic at the Walter Post Theological College (STT), and Naomi Marasian, director of the Limited Association for the Study and Empowerment of Indigenous Communities (Pt PPMA) Papua.
Peuki believes the state is not neutral, but rather an instrument of the oligarchy that acts through mining permits, palm oil plantations and large-scale investment projects.
"Papua's natural environment is being reduced to a commodity. Indigenous communities are marginalised on their own land, while profits flow to the owners of capital", Peuki asserted.
According to Peuki, the narrative of increasing regional revenues and clean energy is merely a cover for massive concessions on customary forests. On the ground, village communities often encounter heavy equipment entering without their free, prior or informed consent (FPIC).
Thousands of hectares of forest are being cleared, spiritual ties with the land are being severed and local economies are being destroyed.
"This is a green illusion. The state talks about energy transition and prosperity, yet extractive permits continue to be issued. There's an addiction to permits to cover the budget [shortfall]", Peuki said.
Peuki emphasised that the impact is real, indigenous communities who subsist on sago, fish and gardens are being forced into a fragile money economy and the global market. Structural poverty exists in regions rich in resources. "Trees don't need people; people need trees", said Peuki.
Umbu Wulang added that the Papuan issue must be interpreted as internal colonialism, a process of control of living space by the state and corporations in the name of development. He highlighted the practice of "statistical poverty": rich regions are labelled poor so that large-scale mining and plantations are legitimised.
"The root of the problem is the power structure. In an oligarchic system, capital is sovereign. In indigenous communities, the people are sovereign over their land", said Wulang.
Wulang called for a reversal stating that every investment must comply with the ecological, customary, theological and economic safety requirements set by the communities themselves.
He also called for the restoration of culture and mother tongue as the foundation of human relationships, a land now being eroded by industrial expansion.
Walhi Papua emphasised that the current juncture is clear: continuing a development model based on extraction and accumulation of capital, or shifting to ecological justice that recognises the unity of humans and nature.
"Without changing the power structure, they warn, the ecological destruction and impoverishment of indigenous communities in Papua will continue to be repeated", he concluded.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "WALHI Papua: Oligarki dan Ilusi Hijau Hancurkan Tanah Papua".]
TNI restores security at 11 Papua airports after deathly attack
March 3, 2026 05:11 GMT+700
Commander of the Joint Defense Region Command III Lt. Gen. Bambang Trisnohadi (right) reviews security measures at Manggelum Airport in Boven Digoel District, South Papua. (ANTARA/HO-TNI Information Center)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) confirmed it had fully restored security and order at 11 pioneer airports—small airstrips serving government-subsidized routes to remote regions—in Papua after a fatal shooting by armed rebels in February.
“Praise be to God, TNI troops have been stationed at all pioneer airports and restored stability across three Papuan provinces: Highland Papua, South Papua, and Central Papua,” Commander of the Joint Defense Region Command III Lt. Gen. Bambang Trisnohadi said in a Monday statement.
He issued the statement after conducting on-the-ground inspections at several airfields alongside Commander of the Air Force Region Command III Air Vice Marshal Azhar Aditama Djojosugito and other TNI personnel, including one in Boven Digoel in South Papua.
The TNI has assigned soldiers to ensure round-the-clock safeguards at the 11 pioneer airports: Iwur, Teiraplu, and Aboy airfields in Highland Papua; Korowai Batu, Bomakia, Yaniruma, and Manggelum in South Papua; and Boega, Dagai, Fawi, and Kapiraya in Central Papua.
Trisnohadi emphasized that the military applies an integrated approach—encompassing all three branches—to securing the aviation facilities to guarantee safe and uninterrupted flights, including by mobilizing the Quick Reaction Corps (Korpasgat) of the Air Force to support air traffic control.
The army officer further remarked that the security measures reflect the TNI's commitment to safeguarding territorial sovereignty, shielding residents of Papua from threats, and supporting economic activities and essential services, which partly rely on air transport across difficult terrain.
"Let us work together to protect and maintain pioneer airports as a symbol of sovereignty, progress, and prosperity in Papua, an integral part of Indonesia," he concluded.
A group of armed separatists ambushed and opened fire on a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft operated by PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation shortly after landing at the Korowai Batu Airport on February 11, killing the pilot and first officer.
The following week, Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced the temporary closure of the 11 pioneer airports, a policy he described as a preventive measure.
