Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono Hopes Toraja Funeral Joke Case Will Be Resolved Peacefully After Customary Trial

Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono underwent examination at the National Police Criminal Investigation Command building on Monday, 9 March 2026. During this session, Pandji expressed hope that the controversy surrounding alleged insult to Toraja customary practices that has ensnared him could conclude with a peaceful resolution.

Pandji stated that Indonesia’s legal system now provides room for case settlement through restorative justice approaches. According to him, this mechanism is also regulated in the new Criminal Code, which prioritises peaceful conflict resolution.

He regarded this effort as consistent with the steps he has taken so far, including communicating with the reporting party and participating in the Toraja customary trial in South Sulawesi.

“In the new Criminal Code, restorative justice is prioritised. Moreover, customary trials are valid and are given priority,” he said.

Pandji added that the hope to resolve this case peacefully is also a stance held jointly with his legal representative, Haris Azhar. However, he chose not to speculate about the possible outcome of the ongoing legal process.

The comedian reaffirmed that he would follow all stages carried out by the investigators. “This is what I and my legal representative, Haris Azhar, hope for. We’ll see how it goes,” he said.

Pandji has already undergone Toraja customary sanctions. He was ordered to apologise and provide one pig and five chickens.

The customary trial was held at Tongkonan Layuk Kaero, Sangalla, Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The customary session was conducted solemnly, involving representatives from 32 Toraja customary regions.

Pandji attended the proceedings in person, accompanied by his legal representative, Haris Azhar. The trial process was also facilitated by the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN) as part of the customary dispute resolution mechanism.

During the trial, one of the Toraja customary elders explained that the sanctions imposed were part of a ritual apologising to ancestors and the indigenous community. “As an offering accompanying the ritual apology to our ancestors, one pig and five chickens,” said one of the leaders conducting the customary trial, cited from the @infotoraja Instagram account on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.