APSN Banner

Al Jazeera to premiere Papua documentary

Source
Jakarta Post - July 1, 2009

Ary Hermawan, Jakarta – News TV-channel Al Jazeera English will broadcast an Australian documentary highlighting the plight of Papuans that will likely upset the Indonesian government. It will be premiered on July 2.

Directed by Australian filmmaker Jono van Hest, the documentary, titled Pride of Warriors, is inspired by the story of 43 West Papuans fleeing to Australia in 2006. The case sparked tensions between Canberra and Jakarta.

"Shocking, revealing and empowering this film is disturbingly indicative of the current situation in West Papua," a press release sent by van Hest to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday said. Jono claimed he smuggled six video cameras into the province.

"These remarkable stories provide unparalleled access and a strikingly personal insight into the West Papuan resistance," it said.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah said he had not seen the film, but went on to lament Al Jazeera for screening the film should it unfairly discredit the Indonesian government.

"Al Jazeera is known as an alternative media that leans to developing countries and is not Western-centered. I am surprised," he said.

Country