Armed conflict is not the only frontline for West Papuans in their struggle against Indonesian rule, according to a new film.

The documentary 'Pesta Babi (Pig Feast)' had its world premiere in Auckland at the weekend to kick off a West Papua Forum organised by the West Papuan solidarity movement in New Zealand.

The film is produced by renowned West Papuan journalist Victor Mambor and directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono.

Both were in Auckland for the event to discuss their work which looks at how Papuan communities are deeply impacted by development promoted by Indonesia in their homeland.

The impacts of deforestation due to ongoing agri-business development in Papua's southern region, spanning close to the border with Papua New Guinea, are also linked to the foothold of Indonesia's military in West Papua.

Indonesia's military forces are engaged in an ongoing, sporadic conflict with militant groups of the West Papua Liberation Army.

The Indonesian government's National Strategic Project is zeroing in on two million hectares of forest for sugarcane plantations and rice fields.

Jakarta says it will bring much needed develpoment to Papua, but Papuans say the activity is killing their people, their culture and the region's biodiversity.

Following other regional deforestation due to oil palm development, it has caused disruption to the traditional eating habits of indigenous Papua communities and alienation from their land.

Papuan representatives at the forum said criticism or protest about the development from communities was often met with attention from the military who used force to silence dissent.

Additionally, the deforestation is adding to climate change and threatrening the precious biodiversity of Papua region.

The weekend's forum included panels on militarisation of the region, environmental destruction, community organising, and human rights abuses.

Former New Zealand MP, Catherine Delahunty, said the forum heard powerful speeches both in person and on line from leaders and organisers from West Papua calling for support from New Zealand to counter the deforestation and militarisation of their country.

Delahunty, who is also West Papua Action Aotearoa's spokesperson, described 'Pesta Babi (Pig Feast)' as a "deeply disturbing film".

"The film shows the collusion between Indonesian government, corporates and the military destroying 2.5 million acres of forest and undermining indigenous food sources, land rights and futures.

"It's vital for regional neighbours to understand that this creates increased climate risks for everyone on the planet as well being a disaster for West Papua," Delahunty said.

The Forum participants heard that the Pacific Island Forum and New Zealand's Government should "show some moral courage" and challenge the destruction of critical forests and displacement of thousands of people in West Papua, she said.

"It's not a domestic issue inside Indonesia – it's a regional human rights crisis and ecocide."

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/589054/new-film-on-west-papua-highlights-ecocid