Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono Responds to Bareskrim Questioning Over Toraja Joke Case

Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono appeared for questioning at the Cyber Crime Directorate (Dittipidsiber) of the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) regarding a case alleging he insulted Toraja customs. Pandji was questioned in his capacity as a witness.

On Monday, 9 March 2026, Pandji arrived at the Bareskrim Polri headquarters at approximately 10:10 a.m. He was wearing a red t-shirt layered with a black jacket.

Pandji stated he had not made special preparations for today’s questioning, saying he was ready to explain to investigators regarding the customary trial he had undergone in Toraja approximately two weeks earlier.

“Today I was called in, and it appears to be to continue the Toraja case. Primarily to establish the follow-up or perhaps the Bareskrim officers want to know the continuation of the customary trial in Toraja that I conducted about two weeks ago. So the questioning is roughly about that,” Pandji told reporters at the location.

Pandji also did not rule out pursuing a restorative justice approach to resolve the case. He referenced the customary trial he had already completed in Toraja.

“Under the new Criminal Code, restorative justice is prioritised. And customary trials are recognised and given priority. This is what I and my lawyer, Haris Azhar, are hoping for. We will see how it goes. I am certainly here to answer questions related to that customary trial,” said Pandji.

In this case, Pandji was reported by the Toraja Youth Alliance to Bareskrim Polri after one of his stand-up comedy routines was deemed to have insulted Toraja customs. In his comedy material, Pandji discussed funeral rites and ceremonies among the Toraja people.

Pandji was previously questioned on Monday, 2 February. The case has now entered the investigation phase.

The material now at the centre of the controversy was actually part of Pandji’s stand-up comedy performance in 2013. During the performance, Pandji made remarks regarding the high costs involved in conducting a funeral according to Toraja customs.

Pandji has since undergone a customary trial regarding his jokes about Toraja culture. He was sanctioned with a fine of one pig and five chickens.