Novel Bamukmin Objects to Mens Rea Case Involving Pandji Entering Restorative Justice
Jakarta - Deputy Coordinator of the Islam Defence Coordination (Korlabi), Novel Bamukmin, has voiced objections to the handling of the case involving comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono’s Mens Rea stand-up material entering restorative justice (RJ).
Novel assesses that the content of Pandji’s Mens Rea is more severe in its impact compared to the religious blasphemy case previously committed by former Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, alias Ahok.
“In the realm of religious blasphemy, I see several points with such extensive notes. This is more severe than Ahok’s case,” Novel stated while attending mediation with Pandji at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, Thursday (9/4/2026).
According to him, the material presented by Pandji attacks the Islamic prayer sharia, making it inappropriate to resolve through RJ, even though the mechanism is regulated in the new Criminal Code (KUHP).
“Personally, I still object. As an ustaz, preacher, and lecturer who shouts from pulpits everywhere, even on several TV shows, I convey that there is no redemption for religious blasphemy except the death penalty,” Novel said.
Novel mentioned that this case has been dragging on because Pandji has not yet issued a direct apology.
“Why do I object? Because there is no direct statement of apology,” he said.
“If these four things have been done, then there is no need to enter RJ. In fact, if necessary, we can withdraw the report,” Novel added.
Previously, Deputy Chairman of the Ulama and Activists Defence Team (TPUA), Novel Chaidir Hasan or Novel Bamukmin, joined the ranks of reporters against Pandji Pragiwaksono regarding the Mens Rea comedy material.
Novel’s report is registered under case number LP/B/481/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA. He was examined regarding his report on Pandji’s material at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, Monday (26/1/2026).
According to him, freedom of expression has limits when it intersects with religion, and Pandji has crossed that boundary.
“Please express whatever you want, criticise the government if you like. But religion is very sensitive. I reported this so that Indonesia does not become chaotic. Because society is already chaotic everywhere,” he explained.
Pandji was first reported by a coordinator of Nahdlatul Ulama Youth Wing and Muhammadiyah Youth Alliance, Rizki Abdul Rahman Wahid, who felt offended by the material he delivered in the Mens Rea show aired on the Netflix streaming platform.
He reported Pandji to Metro Jaya Police Headquarters. His report is registered under number LP/B/166/I/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA.
“In the video clip we saw, Pandji made statements implying that NU and Muhammadiyah were involved in political quid pro quo practices, thus obtaining mining management,” said the reporter named Rizki, quoted from his report letter, Thursday (8/1/2026).