B1 — Intermediate
The Papua region in Indonesia has the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. However, large government projects are causing serious environmental and human rights problems.
The new film Pesta Babi (Pig Feast) shows how the government exploits the land and people from local communities in Papua. This is why the Indonesian authorities are trying to prevent people from seeing the film.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the controversial documentary film from Indonesia.
https://newsinlevels.com/products/indonesia-stops-a-movie-about-papua-forests-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is the meaning of “sacred”? ”However, these forests are the home of Indigenous Papuans who depend on them for survival, and their sacred sites are located there.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “screening” mean here, “The military stopped screenings at universities because they said the topic was too sensitive and could cause trouble.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “sold-out” mean? “The government’s attempts to ban the documentary have generated massive publicity, which has led to sold-out screenings across the country.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is the Indonesian government trying to stop the showing of this documentary film? What is your opinion about that?
- What is your opinion about the makers of this film getting serious threats and the police watching them?
- If there was a similar documentary in your country, would you like to see it even if your government prohibits it?
- Talk about a very controversial issue in your country that you think the government tried to prevent people from knowing about.
- What are some of the most politically sensitive topics in your country or in the world right now?