Yusril Clarifies No Government Ban on Pesta Babi Film Amid Controversy

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, has denied that the central government or law enforcement agencies issued directives to cancel public screenings of the documentary film “Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita.”

The denial comes following reports of the disruption or cancellation of “nonton bareng” (nobar) or public screening events for the documentary in several locations. On May 14, 2026, the minister addressed the controversy, stating that the pattern of cancellations does not indicate a centralized instruction from the government or the authorities.

The documentary film, titled “Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita,” contains criticisms regarding National Strategic Projects (Proyek Strategis Nasional or PSN) located in South Papua. The film’s narrative focuses on how these projects are perceived to impact environmental preservation, the rights of indigenous Papuan communities, and the local environment.

Discrepancies in Screening Permissions

In explaining why the cancellations are not a result of central government policy, Yusril pointed to the varying experiences of different institutions and regions. He noted that the film’s screening was not prohibited across all campuses or locations.

According to the minister, screenings in Bandung and Sukabumi proceeded without any obstacles. This contrast was used to argue against the existence of a centralized ban.

However, the minister acknowledged that certain institutions in Lombok did prohibit the screenings. Specifically, at Universitas Mataram and UIN Mataram, the public screenings were prevented from taking place. Yusril clarified that these prohibitions were not driven by government orders, but were instead due to issues regarding administrative procedures.

Addressing the Film’s Provocative Nature

The minister addressed the controversial nature of the film, specifically its title, which he described as potentially provocative. He suggested that the filmmakers may have chosen such a title to capture public attention.

Despite the provocative framing, Yusril maintained that the criticisms presented in the documentary are a legitimate part of the democratic process. He urged the public to look beyond the title and engage with the content of the film itself.

“Biarkan saja masyarakat menonton, lalu setelah itu silakan gelar diskusi dan debat. Dengan demikian publik menjadi kritis, pro dan kontra dapat terjadi,”

Yusril Ihza Mahendra

The minister advised that the public should not react solely based on a provocative title, but should instead use the material as a basis for critical thought and debate.

Government Evaluation and Democratic Criticism

Yusril emphasized that the government views such criticisms as a normal occurrence in a democracy. He suggested that the content of the documentary could serve as a resource for the government to improve its operations.

The minister stated that the government could take lessons from the critiques offered in the film to conduct evaluations. This process would allow for the improvement of field implementation if it is found that certain steps or policies require correction.