Behind the Music: Artists Reject Freeport’s Presence at Pestapora

Jakarta, September 6, 2025 — Several music groups have withdrawn from Pestapora 2025 after discovering that PT Freeport Indonesia was a sponsor on the first day of the festival, held on Friday, September 5.

The artists and bands that decided not to take part include Sukatani, .Feast, Hindia, The Jeblogs, Negatifa, Leipzig, Kelelawar Malam, Rebellion Rose, Rekah, Xin Lie, Ornament, Swellow, Rrag, and Centra. All announced their withdrawal around the same time via their official social media accounts.

Statements from the Artists

Sukatani shared a short message with fans:  “We have decided not to perform at Pestapora 2025. See you at another time. Thank you.”

The Jeblogs also issued a brief statement:  “We are withdrawing from Pestapora.”

Kelelawar Malam posted a graphic reading “Pestapora Cancel” alongside a powerful caption: “WE WITHDRAW FROM PESTAPORA! Accelerate solidarity for the people of Papua; may this company leave your land soon.”

Yogyakarta-based punk rock band Rebellion Rose took a different approach. Although they didn’t perform as planned, the band still appeared on stage to thank their audience. “We will still take the stage to honor our friends who are already in front of our arena. On stage, we will share stories and deliver speeches to raise awareness about our decision,” they said.

The band also pledged to return all payment received for their performance and travel expenses. After leaving the stage, they joined the crowd for an acoustic sing-along as a gesture of appreciation to their fans.

Pestapora Ends Partnership with Freeport

Following the backlash, Pestapora organizers announced on Saturday, September 6, that they had ended their partnership with PT Freeport Indonesia.

“As of today, Pestapora has ended its cooperation with PT Freeport Indonesia. We confirm that for the second and third days of the festival, September 6 and 7, 2025, we are no longer associated with PT Freeport Indonesia. Thank you, Pestapora,” the official statement read.

Freeport’s involvement was limited to the first day. Their presence became apparent when a company procession unexpectedly appeared at the festival carrying a banner that read “Copper joins the Pestapora,” accompanied by a marching band. The moment surprised both performers and attendees and triggered swift reactions.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2046623/performers-withdraw-from-jakartas-pestapora-2025-over-freeport-sponsorship?tracking_page_direct