The children's film 'Teman Tegar: Maira–Whisper from Papua' explores themes of friendship and environmental awareness through the adventures of two young protagonists in Papua. Directed by Anggi Frisca, it highlights threats to indigenous forests from logging and mining. The over-90-minute movie is scheduled for release in Indonesian cinemas starting February 5, 2026.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The film 'Teman Tegar: Maira–Whisper from Papua' delivers an important message about humanity's relationship with nature through a children's musical and adventure story. Directed by Anggi Frisca, it follows Tegar (M Aldifi Tegarajasa), a boy from Bandung vacationing in Papua with his caregiver Teh Isy (Joan Wakum). There, he meets Maira (Elisabet Sisauta), a 12-year-old indigenous girl who invites him to trek through the forest to see Cendrawasih birds.
Initially driven by curiosity, their journey turns into an effort to save the forest threatened by a logging company owned by Bos Besar, who deceives the indigenous community for mining. Maira, the only literate person in her village, is helped by Tegar and Teh Isy to fight the threat. The film presents Papua's stunning natural beauty alongside issues of climate crisis, deforestation, and land conflicts, but in a light manner suitable for all ages.
Producer dr. Chandra Sembiring emphasizes film's role as a campaign tool. "We want to build an ecosystem. Every film is an educational tool, a campaign tool, and a seed for movement," he said on January 27, 2026. Joan Wakum, a singer and actress from Papua who leads the music development, blends traditional Papua rhythms with cinematic orchestration. "I really hope that this film is not just a film, songs, what is shown in the visuals in this film is the pride of us Papuan children. This is our tradition that we will carry," she stated.
The film positions children as brave subjects, not victims, with natural performances from the young actors emphasizing listening and collaboration.
