Questioned by National Police, Pandji Pragiwaksono Grilled on 17 Questions Regarding Toraja Customary Hearing
Jakarta — Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono stated that he was asked 17 questions by investigators from the Cybercrime Directorate of the National Police regarding his participation in a customary hearing in Toraja.
The National Police called Pandji for further examination as a witness in the case involving comedy material that was deemed to have offended Toraja customary traditions.
“17 questions, if I recall correctly. 17 questions. Related to the Toraja customary hearing,” said Pandji when met at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026 after being questioned.
According to Pandji, the investigators also requested clarification regarding the customary hearing process that he had previously undergone with representatives of the Toraja indigenous community.
He expressed hope that case resolution would prioritise a restorative justice approach.
“Hopefully that is what will be emphasised, the restorative justice aspect, because between myself and the legitimate and recognised representatives of the Toraja community, that has already taken place,” he explained.
Pandji also stated that he was asked to confirm the identities of parties involved in the customary hearing. However, he requested that investigators verify this information directly with the local indigenous community to avoid errors in naming or titles.
“I am grateful that a path was opened for me to meet with the indigenous community. In my view, my experience in Toraja was one of the most remarkable experiences, going through a fair and democratic process, and I was pleased to be involved in a tradition that has been practised for thousands of years,” he said.
It was previously reported that the Cybercrime Directorate’s Deputy Head, Senior Commissioner Rizki Agung, stated that investigators had scheduled Pandji’s further examination on Monday, 9 March 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time.
The examination was part of the ongoing investigative process concerning a report about Pandji’s comedy material allegedly insulting Toraja customary traditions.
National Police Cybercrime Directorate Chief Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji previously stated that investigators had examined a number of witnesses and experts to deepen their understanding of the case.
“In Pandji’s case, 14 witnesses and 9 experts have been examined. Most recently, his administrator was examined to complete the investigation and prosecution process,” said Himawan at National Police Headquarters on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.