The Biak Elok 2024 aftermovie screening at Empire XXI Yogyakarta last Saturday (Nov. 15) served as a reflective space on Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) journey in Biak Numfor, Papua. The event received positive audience response, as the film goes beyond documenting student activities and becomes a medium that captures the closeness, cultural diversity, and social dynamics of Papuan communities; stories rarely conveyed through student-produced visual works.
The film invites viewers to explore the everyday lives of Biak Numfor residents through cultural narratives, social relations, and ecological conditions encountered during the students’ assignment.
With a warm and authentic visual approach, Biak Elok 2024 highlights the bond between students and local residents through waste management education, coastal empowerment initiatives, and sustainable tourism activities. The coastal landscapes, marine beauty, and local traditions serve as the foundation of the film’s storytelling.
The Coordinator of KKN Biak Elok 2024, Anugrah Amin Ignatius Julio (known as Wejai), opened the event by sharing reflections on the making of the film. He emphasized that Biak Elok 2024 stemmed from the emotional journey built through students’ connection with the Biak community.
Wejai also recounted how the presence of a KKN PPM UGM plaque in his hometown once motivated him to pursue the Affirmative Action for Higher Education Scholarship, leading him to study at UGM. He hopes youth in Biak will have similar opportunities.
“This success should be experienced by all children there. That is why we initiated KKN Biak Elok together with our friends,” he said.
He added that the documentary emerged from the students’ lived experiences while staying with the Biak community. According to Wejai, the film reflects a heartfelt and joyful approach that embodies UGM’s values.
“I hope this film becomes a milestone for Papua’s progress, rooted in the emotions and potential that exist there,” he continued.
The Director of Community Service at UGM, Dr. Rustamaji, attended the event and shared his perspective. He viewed the film as an important marker that strengthens UGM’s KKN contributions across regions.
“This film inspires us all to see Indonesia in its diversity, its many ethnicities, languages, natural beauty, and potential,” he explained.
Appreciation was also expressed by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) through the Governor’s Expert Staff for Legal Affairs, Dr. Sukamto. He considered the aftermovie a work that demonstrates the creativity and social concern of young people.
“I am proud to see the spirit and creativity of the younger generation in transforming reality into works that are meaningful, distinctive, and full of integrity,” he said.
The Regent of Biak Numfor, Markus Oktovianus Mansnembra, conveyed deep appreciation for the dedication of the KKN Biak Elok 2024 team in producing the film. He described it as a tangible expression of students’ concern for the people of Biak.
“You are the answer to the prayers of the Biak people,” he remarked.
The aftermovie director, Fauzy Ash Siddiqiy, also explained that the film resulted from a team collaboration that invested concentrated energy, thought, and time to portray Biak sincerely. He described it as a medium that offers the public opportunities to get to know Biak on a deeper level.
“The initial premise of this was to bring people who have never known Papua into the world of Biak,” he stated.
He concluded by emphasizing that, despite advancements in artificial intelligence, the aftermovie was produced entirely without AI support.
“This does not mean we do not support the development of AI in Indonesia. But we wanted to show the audience how it feels to be there, something truly real,” he said.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Ika