By Yonas Gebze*
Papua today is at a crucial moment for major change. The government continues to strengthen development in various sectors, from infrastructure, education, health, food security, to creating jobs for indigenous Papuans. Various national strategic programs implemented in Papua are essentially aimed at accelerating equitable prosperity so that the Papuan people can enjoy the same progress as other regions in Indonesia. Therefore, the emergence of various narratives that tend to provoke the public and build distrust of development must be addressed critically and wisely.
The controversy surrounding the documentary film “Pesta Babi” (Ping Pig Party) is one example of how a visual work can spark controversy within the community. The film presents a narrative that is considered not to reflect the reality on the ground and creates a negative impression of the government’s ongoing development efforts in South Papua. Many believe the film is irrelevant to the spirit of unity and progress being built together by the government, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the Papuan people themselves.
The government, through the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, has emphasized that Papua must be developed with a comprehensive approach that prioritizes community welfare, respect for local culture, good public services, and sustainable development. This statement demonstrates the country’s serious commitment to ensuring Papua’s development as a vital part of Indonesia’s future. Papua should no longer be viewed as a marginal region, but rather as a new national growth center with significant potential in the fields of food, fisheries, energy, and human resources.
Amidst these significant efforts, it is regrettable that a narrative has emerged that fuels pessimism and fear among the public. Papua needs optimism, unity, and cooperation from all parties so that development can proceed smoothly and provide real benefits for Indigenous Papuans. Criticism is certainly important in a democracy, but it must be constructed with honesty, balance, and moral responsibility, not by cutting corners or leading opinions that could divide society.
The disappointment expressed by Papuan indigenous women’s figure, Yasinta Moiwend, also known as Mama Papua, has garnered serious public attention. She admitted to feeling exploited and unaware that the activities she participated in would be used as part of a documentary with a specific narrative. This admission demonstrates the importance of ethics in documentary production, especially when involving indigenous communities, whose rights and dignity must be respected. Mama Yasinta even stated that she no longer wants to be drawn into an agenda that conflicts with the Papuan people’s hopes for a more prosperous life.
Mama Yasinta’s statement truly reflects the conscience of many Papuans who desire a better life through education, employment, and economic development. Papuans need decent road access, adequate healthcare facilities, quality schools, and job opportunities for the younger generation. Therefore, the government’s ongoing development must be viewed as an opportunity to open a new future for Papuan children, enabling them to compete and thrive in their own land.
A similar sentiment was expressed by the Archbishop of Merauke, Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, who believes that the public must continue to think critically about the film’s content. As a religious figure who has lived with the Papuan people for many years, Bishop Mandagi understands firsthand the social dynamics in South Papua. He questioned why church officials and figures working on the ground weren’t proportionally involved in developing the film’s narrative. This criticism is important because Papua should not be understood solely from the perspective of conflict, but also from the growing spirit of brotherhood, peace, and development.
Over the past few years, Papua has experienced significant development. Various road and transportation infrastructures have begun to open up isolated areas. Education and health programs continue to expand into remote areas. The government is also encouraging economic empowerment through the agriculture, plantation, fisheries, and food security sectors. The national strategic programs implemented in Papua are expected to create new jobs, enabling indigenous Papuans to become more than just spectators but also key actors in development in their own region.
Paulinus Ohee, a Tabi indigenous youth leader, also warned that Papuan youth should not be easily influenced by provocative narratives that could hinder Papua’s progress. According to him, Papuan society
Stability and unity are needed for optimal development. This statement is highly relevant because Papua’s future cannot be built through prolonged conflict, but rather through collaboration between the government, indigenous communities, religious leaders, and Papua’s younger generation.
What Papua needs now is not provocation, but real work and optimism. Papuans want to see their children well-educated, employed, healthy, and enjoy equitable development. The state has demonstrated its commitment to developing Papua in an inclusive and sustainable manner. Therefore, all members of society need to support these efforts by maintaining unity, strengthening dialogue, and rejecting all forms of propaganda that could hinder Papua’s future progress, security, and prosperity within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
*The author is a Community Empowerment Activist in Merauke