11 October 2026
Pesta Babi shows how forests in South Papua are being cleared to make way for sugarcane, rice and palm oil plantations, in the name of national food and energy security. Papuan communities are being displaced from their homes, their forests and living environments are being destroyed, and their cultural heritage is being erased.
The title refers to a local Muyu tradition known as the Pig Festival. This is a ceremony in which pigs play an important social and cultural role, reflecting the connection between Papuans, their land and their traditions. At the same time, the title serves as an ironic metaphor. Companies and those in positions of power benefit from Papua’s wealth without bearing the consequences.
Please note: This film contains content that some viewers may find disturbing or confronting.
Recommended age: 16 and over.
Directed by: journalist Dandhy Dwi Laksono and anthropologist Cypri Jehan Paju Dale.
