Pandji Pragiwaksono Hopes for Peaceful Resolution in His Case

Jakarta — Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono has expressed hope that the case against him concerning comedy material considered offensive to Toraja customs can be resolved through a peaceful approach, including the application of restorative justice mechanisms.

Pandji conveyed this hope following his second examination as a witness by investigators from the Cyber Crime Directorate (Dittipidsiber) of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.

“My hope is that restorative justice is indeed prioritised,” said Pandji.

“When I attended the customary trial there, it was a form of mediation that was very legitimate as it was attended by representatives from 32 customary regions. All the customary regions in Toraja had representation, and seven chief judges were also present,” he explained.

With the involvement of customary elders and regional representatives, he assessed that the process possessed strong legitimacy as a mechanism for resolving conflicts according to customary law.

“I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to meet with the customary community. In my view, my experience in Toraja was one of the most memorable experiences going through a fair and democratic trial process, and I was pleased to be part of a tradition that has been ongoing for thousands of years,” he said.

Pandji stated that during the previous examination, 17 questions were posed to him, most of which concerned the customary trial in Toraja that he had undergone.

“I was questioned regarding my attendance in Toraja when I carried out the Toraja customary trial. The questions were about that, and I have already provided clarification. Hopefully the case can be resolved quickly,” said Pandji.

Pandji was also asked to provide information about the parties involved in the customary trial, including the customary elders who led the judicial process.

However, he acknowledged being cautious about mentioning the names and positions of the customary leaders involved.

“I was asked to confirm who was involved. Then I requested that the investigators verify directly with the customary community there to be more certain, as I did not want to make mistakes in pronouncing names, titles, and especially regions. So I asked them to verify this with the customary community,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that the case would ultimately reach a resolution. “I believe that all this will find clarity. I am going through the process. I have faith in the process that is underway,” said Pandji.