Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono Declares Toraja Customary Hearing Legitimate and Valid

Jakarta — Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono has stated that the customary hearing held in Toraja concerning the controversy over his stand-up comedy material represents a legitimate and valid mediation process.

“When I attended the customary hearing there, it was a form of mediation that was genuinely legitimate because it was attended by representatives from all 32 customary regions. So all customary regions in Toraja were present with their representatives, and the seven chief judges also attended. Therefore, it was a legitimate and valid mediation process because it was comprehensive,” Pandji said following his examination at Bareskrim Polri on Monday, 9 March 2026.

He stated that investigators questioned him regarding his attendance at the customary hearing.

According to Pandji, the investigators posed approximately 17 questions during the examination.

“If I recall correctly, there were around 17 questions,” he said.

In the customary hearing, Pandji stated, various matters were discussed, including the incident that sparked the controversy and the agreement reached by both parties.

Pandji reported that during the customary hearing, both parties involved had apologised to each other.

He viewed the process as a learning experience for all those involved.

Pandji also claimed to have gained valuable experience whilst participating in the customary hearing process in Toraja.

“I am grateful that an opportunity was opened for me to meet with the indigenous community. In my view, my experience in Toraja is one of the most memorable experiences, having gone through a fair and democratic hearing process, and I am pleased to have been involved in a tradition that has existed for thousands of years,” he explained.

Nevertheless, he stated his willingness to comply with the ongoing legal process.

Pandji had previously responded to a first investigative summons on Monday, 2 February 2026.

The case originated from a report filed by the Toraja Youth Alliance with Bareskrim Polri in November 2025.

The report concerned comedy material from the performance Messake Bangsaku, which Pandji performed in 2013.

In that performance, Pandji delivered a comedic bit that referenced the Toraja indigenous funeral tradition, Rambu Solo.

The material was subsequently deemed offensive and demeaning to Toraja customs, prompting the complaint to police.