Police: Pandji Pragiwaksono Not Forthcoming When Questioned by Investigators About Mens Rea
JAKARTA — The Public Relations Chief of Metro Jaya Regional Police, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, stated that investigators encountered obstacles whilst questioning comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono regarding his “Mens Rea” performance. Pandji was said to be insufficiently forthcoming when asked by investigators.
“There were indeed obstacles, several obstacles from the investigators because when questioned, Pandji was not entirely open regarding the investigators’ questions,” said Budi when encountered at SMK Negeri 1 Jakarta, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
“Therefore, it is hoped that Pandji could be more cooperative in answering investigators’ questions,” he added.
Regarding explanations about the performance narrative, Budi stated that these had not sufficiently answered the investigators’ questions, despite the fact that investigators had posed specific questions.
“Because police must remain neutral, clarifying whether the incident reported by the public genuinely occurred. That is why we request cooperation from Pandji,” he explained.
When asked about criminal elements in the “Mens Rea” performance video, Budi stated that investigations into witnesses and evidence must continue. The obstacles during Pandji’s questioning have also affected the determination of criminal elements.
“Meaning we cannot justify what is wrong or right. We will proceed through an investigation process involving witness statements and other evidence, including physical evidence. Only once we have completed this stage can we submit the case file,” Budi clarified.
Previously reported, comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono completed clarification regarding his comedy material titled Mens Rea at Metro Jaya Regional Police on Friday (6 February 2026). The clarification followed several reports accusing Pandji’s comedy material of alleged religious blasphemy.
Pandji’s lawyer, Haris Azhar, stated that his client was asked a total of 63 questions by investigators.