Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – A member of the Indonesian Military (TNI) attended a student-organized screening and discussion of the Papua documentary Pesta Babi at Udayana University on Thursday evening, raising concerns among organizers over military presence at an academic event.
The event, titled Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita (The Pig Party: Colonialism in Our Era), was organized by the Student Executive Board of the university's Faculty of Law and featured a discussion on national strategic projects and their impact on Indigenous Papuan communities.
According to organizers, the military officer arrived uninvited as the screening was nearing its conclusion on May 14.
Gusde Manuaba, head of the Study and Strategic Action Division of the Student Executive Board, said the soldier entered the venue wearing full camouflage military uniform and identified himself as a village supervisory non-commissioned officer, or Babinsa, assigned to Dauh Puri Kelod.
"As the film was nearing its end, we were surprised by the sudden arrival of a TNI member at the venue," Gusde told Tempo on Friday, May 15.
Student Executive Board chair I Gusti Agung Roman Kertajaya said the soldier questioned whether organizers had obtained permission to hold the screening and discussion of the documentary by filmmakers Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Paju Dale.
Roman described the questioning as unusual, saying it was the first time a student discussion event on national issues had drawn direct attention from the military.
"We have frequently organized discussions and legal forums on various issues, but this is the first time the TNI has approached us and asked about permits," he said.
He added that the event had already received permission from the Faculty of Law.
Although organizers said the atmosphere became tense following the officer's arrival, no violence or disruption occurred. The screening and discussion proceeded until the end, while the soldier reportedly continued asking about permits during the final part of the event.
"The TNI member eventually watched from the corridor, quite close to the audience," Gusde said.
The documentary explores the impact of national strategic projects on the living spaces of Indigenous Papuan communities.
Donny Pramono, head of the Indonesian Army Information Service, had not responded to requests for comment as of Friday.
Meanwhile, I Ketut Sudarsana, rector of Udayana University, said he was unaware of the screening taking place on campus. However, he reaffirmed the university's commitment to academic freedom and institutional independence.
"We will continue to take firm action if academic activities are found to violate ethical academic norms," Sudarsana said.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2103809/tni-soldier-attends-pesta-babi-screening-in-bali-uninvite