Pandji Pragiwaksono and Novel Bamukmin Mediate over 'Mens Rea', Here is the Outcome
Deputy Chairman of the Tim Pembela Ulama dan Aktivis (TPUA), Novel Bamukmin, and comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono visited Polda Metro Jaya regarding the report on the stand-up comedy material ‘Mens Rea’. The pair conducted mediation concerning the report filed by Novel. What was the outcome?
Pandji, along with his lawyer Haris Azhar, stated that he had long awaited this mediation. Pandji said that during the process, he had the opportunity to explain directly to the complainant the intent behind his statements in the ‘Mens Rea’ show. According to him, the meeting with Novel went well.
“The process was very relaxed. I came assuming there might be a lot of debate, but it turned out to be cool and ended with laughter. So this was a process that went very well. Hopefully, each party can understand the intent. Personally, I already understand their concerns and will take it as a note for the future to improve,” Pandji said at Polda Metro Jaya on Thursday (9/4/2026).
Willing to Meet Peace Conditions
Separately, Novel Bamukmin said that in the mediation, there were five points that became requirements for restorative justice (RJ) or peace. One of them was that Pandji was asked to repent.
“There are five points that I gave input or direction to one of the most important figures in an organisation that consistently fights against blasphemy without discrimination,” Novel said.
“The first, no need for RJ anymore. Even if necessary, withdraw the report. Just repent by one way, admit fault. Second, seek forgiveness from Allah SWT. Third, apologise to the Muslim community. And fourth, promise not to repeat what has been done,” he added.
In the mediation, Novel said that Pandji’s side was willing to fulfil those five conditions. Novel also said that his side was willing to withdraw the report if Pandji agreed.
“What he conveyed is that he is ready to accept whatever decision. Whether to proceed or to finish, okay. Meaning, withdrawal of the report up to restorative justice,” Novel said.
Nevertheless, Novel said that his side did not immediately accept the agreement. Novel admitted that he was still waiting for Pandji to complete those conditions.
“Then, the first complainant, I did not state to continue or not. And I rejected the agreement from Haris Azhar that we agree to accept. I said we don’t agree yet. Finish first, finish what we require, then convey it openly. Because the presentation of evidence or allegations of blasphemy is open,” he explained.
“Convey it to the public when it has been conveyed openly to the public, perhaps to MUI or other organisations, then we might take action. Perhaps according to the guidance of the ulama on what we convey to even withdraw the report, not just restorative justice,” he concluded.
It is known that Novel reported Pandji regarding allegations of blasphemy in the ‘Mens Rea’ stand-up comedy material. The report was made on Monday (19/1) and has been registered with number LP/B/481/I/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA.