Archbishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Merauke has censured a documentary about development projects in Indonesia's easternmost region of Papua for presenting a one-sided narrative that excludes the perspective of the Catholic Church.

The prelate accused Pig Feast: Colonialism of Our Time of serving as a political propaganda tool, as tensions deepen between him and Papuan lay Catholics over development policies and indigenous land rights.

"Why did they not come to ask the bishop or the priests who live here?" he said. "They only took opinions from those who share the film's purpose," Mandagi said in a video interview released by the archdiocese on May 21.

Pig Feast has ignited debate for its portrayal of the government's National Strategic Project in South Papua, which focuses on food estate and bioenergy expansion across indigenous land.

The film depicts how forests traditionally used by Papuan communities have been converted into industrial plantations.

It includes perspectives from within the Catholic Church – among them an interview with Bishop Bernardus Bofitwos Baru of Timika, who has been vocal in criticizing the social and environmental impact of large-scale development in Papua.

Mandagi said the decision to seek a bishop from another diocese while ignoring the Church leadership in Merauke reflected a selective approach aimed at supporting a predetermined narrative.

He rejected claims reflected in the film that his archdiocese endorsed the project or cooperated with companies responsible for deforestation, calling such allegations "a major slander."

The prelate also took issue with the film's portrayal of the pig feast tradition as universal across Papua, when in some communities it is considered a sacred and restricted ritual.

"The pig feast is sacred. It strengthens brotherhood and connects people with God," he said. "If it is used as a political tool, it becomes an insult to Papuans."

Defending his long silence on the National Strategic Project, Mandagi said it was a deliberate pastoral choice."Silence is also a way of resisting. If I speak, my words will be twisted and may divide the Church."

He also challenged what he called the disproportionate scrutiny of South Papua.

"There are big eyes on South Papua, but no eyes on destruction elsewhere" – a reference to environmental damage caused by mining operations in other parts of Papua.

Mandagi's remarks come amid escalating tensions with the Voice of the Papuan Catholic Laity, a lay movement that has organized weekly protests at churches since 2024, accusing the archbishop of aligning the Church with state interests.

Tensions worsened after Mandagi warned during a homily last month that protesters inside churches could face divine punishment. Some members have since called for his resignation.

Soleman Itlay, a prominent figure in the movement, said he was disappointed that the archbishop had spoken out only after public scrutiny intensified.

"Why didn't he speak before?" he told UCA News while disputing Mandagi's denial of support for the National Strategic Project.

"He has previously made public statements endorsing these projects. He has received company executives and military officials at the diocesan office, while closing the door to us, the indigenous Papuans," he said.

"He only reacts when the spotlight on him becomes too strong to ignore," he added.

The film's directors, when contacted by UCA News, said they would not immediately respond to the archbishop's criticism.

The film screenings have drawn a heavy-handed response from authorities, with military personnel deployed to shut down public screenings across Indonesia.

This has prompted condemnation from press freedom groups and civil society organizations.

Source: https://www.ucanews.com/news/indonesian-archbishop-slams-papua-film-as-one-sided-propaganda/11342