News Summary:
- Mama Sinta has filed a police report against parties involved with the “Pesta Babi” film, objecting to the unauthorized use of her image.
- Director Dandhy Dwi Laksono responded, asserting that the film aims to expose critical issues in Papua.
- This case has ignited a significant public debate concerning documentary ethics, personal data protection, and freedom of expression.
Teknowarta – Mama Sinta’s recent police report concerning the “Pesta Babi” film has swiftly captured public attention, sparking widespread discussion across various social media platforms. The controversy first emerged due to alleged objections against film content perceived as offensive to certain parties. This rapidly escalated into a broader polemic, engaging not only the complainant but also a concerned public.
In response to the intensifying media coverage, Dandhy Dwi Laksono, the director of the “Pesta Babi” film, eventually broke his silence. He notably referenced the sudden appearance and involvement of certain parties in the case after the issue gained viral traction. This statement immediately heightened tensions and broadened the debate among netizens.
While some interpreted the director’s comments as a form of self-defense against the police report, others viewed it as an emotional reaction to mounting public pressure. To date, the case remains a subject of considerable public interest, with official developments from the authorities eagerly awaited.
As previously reported, Dandhy Dwi Laksono, the director of the “Pesta Babi” documentary film, directly addressed Mama Sinta’s police report concerning the movie. Dandhy affirmed the public’s right to understand the ongoing issues in Papua through the “Pesta Babi” film. It was earlier reported that Mama Sinta had filed a complaint against Johnny Teddy Wakum, Chairman of LBH Merauke, in connection with the film. The report, registered under LP/B/3843/V/2026/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya and dated May 29, 2026, alleges Johnny violated Article 65 juncto Article 67 of Law No. 27 Year 2022 concerning Personal Data Protection, specifically regarding the alleged misuse of personal data.
Mama Sinta explicitly stated that the “Pesta Babi” film, which features her, was screened and distributed without her consent. “They are showing the ‘Pesta Babi’ film everywhere, and I am heartbroken, deeply disappointed!” Sinta vehemently declared. “Without my permission, without any discussion. They are criminals! My face is being shown everywhere in that film, and it hurts me!”
Addressing the report, Dandhy elaborated on his stance. 
“We respect Mama Yasinta’s choice, just as we respect everyone’s right to know what is truly happening in Papua,” Dandhy stated in his comments to Kompas.com on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Dandhy further highlighted the glaring lack of attention given when customary lands in Papua face severe issues. He sharply criticized those parties who have suddenly emerged to facilitate the filing of a report in Jakarta, noting their complete absence when indigenous communities, including Mama Sinta, previously confronted problems of land grabbing. “When their customary land was seized without permission, these parties did not come to pick them up and escort them to Jakarta to file a police report,” Dandhy asserted.
He further emphasized that those who genuinely support and defend the rights of indigenous communities are young, pro bono lawyers working voluntarily. “Those who come are indigenous youth who serve as pro bono lawyers, driven by solidarity and a desire to protect their ancestral lands,” he added.
Call for Public Non-Judgment
Representing the collaborative production team behind the “Pesta Babi” film, Dandhy unequivocally stated that the filmmakers had no intention of cornering Mama Sinta, despite her having filed a report with the Polda Metro Jaya. The collaboration team, in fact, urged the wider public not to cast negative stigmas or spread hatred towards Mama Sinta for the decision she has made.
“We, the ‘Pesta Babi’ film collaboration team, respect whatever stance Mama Yasinta currently holds and ask the public not to corner or judge her, while we continue to try and understand what has led to this change in her position,” Dandhy remarked. He elaborated that this mutual respect stems from Mama Sinta’s long-standing track record as a frontline advocate for indigenous communities. Dandhy further noted that Mama Sinta is a revered figure among the Malind indigenous women, having dedicated herself to fighting for indigenous rights long before the documentary film was even conceived.
However, Dandhy acknowledged that the production team currently faces a deadlock, as communication with Mama Sinta has been severed since the film’s public release. “After her video circulated on the night of Saturday, May 23, and up until she visited the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Friday, May 29, Mama Yasinta has been unreachable and could not be met directly. We are continuously striving to establish communication with Mama Yasinta and are coordinating with her family,” he explained.
Dandhy expressed his hope that this polemic would not divert public attention from the fundamental issues in Papua that the “Pesta Babi” film genuinely seeks to highlight. “We seek sustained public attention and support for these matters, as we continue our solidarity in efforts to resolve the immense challenges facing Papua,” Dandhy concluded.
(Source: TribunNewsmaker.com/TribunnewsBogor.com)
Summary
Mama Sinta has filed a police report against parties involved with the “Pesta Babi” film, specifically citing the unauthorized use of her image and personal data in the documentary. She expressed deep disappointment, stating the film was screened and distributed without her consent, which she considers a violation of personal data protection laws. This action has sparked a significant public debate regarding documentary ethics and personal data protection.
Director Dandhy Dwi Laksono acknowledged Mama Sinta’s report, while asserting that the film aims to highlight critical issues in Papua and uphold the public’s right to know. He questioned the sudden involvement of certain parties in facilitating the report, noting their absence during previous land rights struggles of indigenous communities. Dandhy urged the public not to judge Mama Sinta, emphasizing her history as an indigenous rights advocate, and hoped the controversy would not overshadow the core issues in Papua that the film intends to expose.