Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono underwent police questioning on February 2, 2026, regarding alleged SARA-tinged insults toward Toraja tribe funeral customs. The case has advanced to the investigation stage, though Pandji remains a reporting witness. He claims to be cooperative and has apologized for his joke.
Jakarta – Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono is entangled in a legal case following a report from the Toraja Youth Alliance on November 3, 2025, alleging insults and hate speech with SARA nuances related to his jokes about Toraja tribe funeral customs. On Monday, February 2, 2026, Pandji appeared at the Bareskrim Polri building in South Jakarta for questioning as a reporting witness by investigators from the Directorate of Cyber Crime (Dittipidsiber) of Bareskrim Polri.
Head of Subdirectorate I Dittipidsiber Bareskrim Polri, Commissioner Pol Rizki Agung Prakoso, confirmed the case has escalated to the investigation stage. "Yes, investigation," he told reporters on February 3, 2026. Pandji answered 48 questions, all related to his stand-up comedy material from the viral 'Mens Rea' show at the end of 2025.
In his joke, Pandji described expensive Toraja funerals that impoverish families, with bodies left in the living room if funds are lacking. "In Toraja, if a family member dies, they bury them with an expensive party. Right? Yeah, right," he said. He continued, "The body is placed in the TV room, in the living room... Watching anything on TV feels like horror. Like watching Teletubbies, it must be scary."
Pandji stated he has publicly apologized for the remark deemed offensive. "Actually, the apology has already been done and can be seen by the public, but maybe this is just continuing the report. I'll follow the process," he said after the examination. He affirmed his cooperative stance: "If called, I show up. If asked, I answer."
Although the case proceeds, Pandji risks facing court if the investigation uncovers sufficient evidence. Police have not disclosed next steps, including potential case review to determine his legal status.
