The Stage Torn by Copper, A Chronology of the Pestapora Sponsorship Controversy

Kapanlagi.com - Pestapora 2025 should be an exciting annual music festival. Over the past three years, this festival has built a reputation as an inclusive space for musicians across genres and generations.

However, this year, the usual euphoria surrounding the event has been overshadowed by a controversy that emerged from the very first day of the event. The appearance of a sponsor from a mining company in Papua shocked many, not just the audience but also dozens of musicians scheduled to perform at the event.

1. The Beginning of the Controversy

The trigger was the presence of a large banner reading "Tembaga Ikutan Berpestapora" that was displayed in the festival area on Friday (5/9). The phrase refers to PT Freeport Indonesia, a copper and gold mining company that has long been associated with controversy. The banner not only displayed the slogan but also clearly listed Freeport's identity as a sponsor.

Visuals of the banner quickly spread on social media and sparked public outrage. Many viewed Freeport's presence as contrary to the inclusive spirit and social awareness that the independent music community has built over the years. Criticism came not only from attendees but also from musicians who felt shocked by the sponsorship, which according to several statements, was not openly disclosed before the festival took place.

2. Musicians Who Canceled Their Performances

Hindia © instagram/wordfangs

It didn't take long for protests to start emerging. Several musicians decided to cancel their performances, even when they were already scheduled to perform and some had received fees and facilities from the organizers. They expressed their objections through their respective social media accounts, stating their stance that they do not want to be part of a festival that collaborates with a company they consider problematic.

As of Saturday morning, 32 performers have withdrawn from the lineup. Among them are Hindia, .Feast, Petra Sihombing, Banda Neira, The Panturas, Sukatani, Navicula, Rekah, Silampukau, Cloudburst, Reruntuh, Tarrkam, Morad, Dongker, White Chorus, Swellow, Ali, Sprayer, Filler, Skandal, Carave, Ouverte, The Cottons, Kenya, Keep It Real, Tribute to Barefood, Centra, Kelelawar Malam, Ornament, Rebellion Rose, Yosugi, and Bilal Indrajaya who performed with The Corleones.

Some of them are also known to have returned the honorarium and facilities they had received. They emphasize that this action is not just a form of objection, but a moral stance against environmental exploitation and human rights violations that have long been associated with mining activities in Papua.

3. Pestapora Decides to End Cooperation with Freeport

Pestapora © instagram/pestapora

In the midst of a wave of musician withdrawals, Pestapora has finally announced that they have ended their cooperation with Freeport Indonesia. Through an official post on social media on Saturday afternoon (6/9), Festival Director Kiki Aulia Ucup emphasized that "no funds from Freeport have been received or used" in the organization of the festival. He added that all costs arising from the termination of the cooperation will be the full responsibility of the committee.

Additionally, Kiki Ucup also directly expressed his apologies on stage at Pestapora. "The first word I want to say is an apology from me representing Pestapora for what happened today and yesterday," said Kiki Ucup, Saturday (6/9/2025).

"We fully acknowledge our mistakes and negligence in cooperating with PT Freeport Indonesia. But we took swift action because we are very aware of that mistake; we immediately terminated the contract with PT Freeport Indonesia. And once again, I assure you, Pestapora has not received a single cent of funding from PT Freeport Indonesia. And I, as the Festival Director, once again apologize to all of you who have purchased tickets, who have attended today and did not receive the performances you expected from some friends who decided to withdraw from Pestapora 2025," he stated.

4. Musicians Present But Not Performing and Donate Their Fees

Rebellion Rose © KapanLagi.com/Fikri Alfi Rosyadi

There are performers who decided to completely withdraw from Pestapora, while others chose to remain present among the audience but transformed the stage into a platform for oration. One of them is the band Rebellion Rose, who still performed and delivered four songs. However, their performance this time was different.

They turned the grand stage of Pestapora into an oration arena to raise awareness about environmental issues that are the reason for their protest. The band also ensured that the fees and transportation money received would be fully returned to the organizers.

"We really knew the news that night, then we immediately gathered. Coincidentally, everyone had arrived in Jakarta because the plan was to fly to Bali. So, H-1 we had already prepared to withdraw," said Fyan when met in Kemayoran, North Jakarta, Saturday (6/9/2025).

5. Musicians Donate Performance Fees at Pestapora

Barasuara © instagram/barasuara

There are also performers who choose to continue playing and greet their audience, but they donate their fees to a foundation that deals with environmental issues. One of them is the band Barasuara.

"The reason why Barasuara did not withdraw is because we stand by our friends who have bought tickets, we do not serve Pestapora, we do not serve Kiki Ucup, we serve you, the ticket buyers. You are the ones who support us this much because without you, we would not be on this stage. And also, we do not serve PT Freeport Indonesia," added Iga.

As a tangible expression of their stance, Barasuara made a surprising announcement. All the honorariums they receive from their performance at Pestapora 2025 will be fully donated to the environmental preservation movement.

"The fee that Barasuara earns from performing at Pestapora will be donated to Music Declares Emergency, which works in the field of ecology and the environment," said Iga.

6. Performers Orating and Criticizing the Government

Slank © KapanLagi.com/Adrian Utama Putra

Several other performers who continue to choose to take the stage express their criticism of the government through their songs. One of them is Slank, which mocks the government including Puan Maharani in their lyrics.

"If I were Puan Maharani, I would quickly hold a session, the Asset Seizure Bill would be passed, so that corruptors can't move," goes the lyrics sung loudly by Kaka.

"A song I wrote after the Trisakti incident in '98. The military has also started to go down to the streets, I just have a message for you, Mr. Police, Mr. Soldier, whatever happens, do not use live bullets. We express our condolences for the Ojol and the activists, Slank expresses condolences for everyone," said Bimbim.

In addition, Reza Rahadian also orated alongside Iwan Fals. He recited a poem containing sharp criticisms of the government, which was followed by the song 'Wakil Rakyat' performed by Iwan.

7. Musicians Support Kiki Ucup

Kiki Ucup and Vincent Rompies © instagram/vincentrompies

Behind the massive public criticism and pressure, there are also voices expressing support for Kiki Ucup as the festival director. In the spotlight, he is seen as brave to take corrective steps openly and responsibly, even though the consequences are heavy. Support comes from fellow musicians and industry colleagues, including Vincent Rompies, who wrote on his Instagram account:

"Learning has no ending, Cup, just like friendship. Rise and face it with full responsibility because this is all a process and a learning experience for all parties. Laffyu olweys!" wrote Vincent.

The post was widely shared by musicians and festival attendees who feel that criticism is indeed necessary, but support is also important to repair the damaged ecosystem.

The festival continues until Sunday (7/9), but the atmosphere is no longer the same. The stage that is usually filled with cheers has turned into a space for open criticism and reflective invitations.

Pestapora 2025 may not be remembered as the most festive festival, but it will be recorded as a festival that opened up questions: about who has the right to be present on the cultural stage, about how far art can be liberated from capital, and about how the Indonesian music community can learn to maintain its integrity together.

Read more Pestapora news at Liputan6.com.

(kpl/phi)