Jakarta – The documentary “Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time” (Pig Feast), which criticizes the National Strategic Program (PSN) in Papua, has drawn criticism from various parties. Some consider the narrative presented in the film, which also had a limited screening in New Zealand, to be provocative because it does not fully address the context of national energy development and the future of Papua.
This criticism arises because development in Papua is considered inseparable from Indonesia’s need to strengthen energy security. Indonesia currently faces major challenges in the energy sector, particularly its dependence on oil imports.
To address this, the government is encouraging the development of alternative energy sources such as biodiesel and bioethanol as part of its strategy to strengthen national energy independence. This policy also serves as an effort to anticipate global geopolitical uncertainty that could potentially disrupt the global energy supply chain.
Influencer and socio-political communication expert Putra Aji Sujati believes that developing energy based on domestic resources is a strategic step in facing uncertain global dynamics.
“This time I want to discuss palm oil, yes, palm oil, but in the context of the Iran, America, and Israel war. When the Strait of Hormuz was closed due to this conflict, Mr. Prabowo Subianto already had a trump card to save our economy through palm oil. Let me tell you, 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. If the blockade lasts more than seven days, global fuel prices will explode, and Indonesia, which still relies heavily on energy imports, will be hit by insane inflation. That’s why the B50 program in 2026 is actually crucial,” Putra said on his Instagram account @putraajisujati, quoted on Saturday (March 7).
Meanwhile, Matatius Jiginua, a traditional leader of Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan, emphasized that community support is crucial for development to proceed smoothly.
“All levels of society must maintain a cool climate to ensure that economic activity and development can proceed sustainably,” he explained.
Previously, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also emphasized that Papua has great potential to become a self-sufficient region in the energy sector.
“I think Papua has excellent energy resources. And the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (Bahlil Lahadalia) has also planned that Papuan regions should benefit from the energy produced in Papua,” Prabowo said.