Indigenous Leader Vanishes from West Papua, Reappears in Jakarta Supporting Government Project
Yasinta Moiwend, an Indigenous community leader from West Papua who opposed Indonesia's National Strategic Project, disappeared from her village and reappeared days later in Jakarta expressing support for the government initiative. She had gained prominence in the documentary "Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time," which criticized the project's environmental and social impacts. Her sudden disappearance, alleged military involvement, and apparent change of position have raised questions about the circumstances of her departure.
Yasinta Moiwend, a 64-year-old Indigenous Marind community leader from West Papua, vanished from her home in late May and reappeared five days later in Jakarta, where she filed a police complaint against the documentary "Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time" and its directors. The film, which featured Moiwend opposing Indonesia's National Strategic Project (PSN) that had displaced her community, had garnered over 13 million YouTube views in two weeks. Her family reported she left without their knowledge, and locals claimed she was transported by military personnel and district officials, allegedly on a private jet belonging to PT Jhonlin Group, a company involved in the PSN. Upon arrival in Jakarta, Moiwend appeared on television supporting the government project—a dramatic reversal from her documentary stance. Her nephew expressed suspicion that she may have been pressured, and the family has been unable to reach her directly. The circumstances surrounding her departure and apparent change of position have sparked significant controversy and speculation.
What's missing
Direct statements from Yasinta Moiwend herself explaining her change of position and the circumstances of her departure; official responses from the Indonesian defence ministry, district head Christin Rumlus, and PT Jhonlin Group to the allegations of military involvement and use of a private jet.
What different sources said
Woman vanishes after changing sides to support Indonesia's government
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Woman vanishes after changing sides to support Indonesia's government
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