JAKARTA, Legal Literacy — Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono asserts that he has no reason to be deterred even though his stand-up comedy material titled Mens Rea which airs on Netflix triggered six reports registered at Polda Metro Jaya. He stated that the material was created with the intention of entertaining, not to attack or demean any particular party.

Pandji made this statement after meeting with the ranks of the Majelis Ulama Indonesia at the MUI Central Office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (3/2/2026). Pandji believes that even though his comedy material is often political and potentially invites pros and cons, he remains ready to explain the context if asked.

Received input from MUI: pay attention to feelings and impact

In the meeting, Pandji admitted to receiving advice from Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh to better consider the feelings of others when compiling comedy material. Pandji stated that the input was accepted as evaluation material and he hopes that the climate for comedians to create remains healthy—criticism is accepted, improvements continue to be made, without eliminating room for expression.

Police: 5 Police Reports and 1 Public Complaint, Witnesses Have Been Examined

Polda Metro Jaya recorded a total of six reports related to Mens Rea, consisting of five police reports and one public complaint. The reported material is questioned with allegations of incitement and religious defamation, with reference to articles in the new Criminal Code as well as provisions in the ITE Law.

Investigators are said to have examined the reporters and witnesses (totaling approximately 10 people). The next stage is that the police will request expert testimony—including linguists and experts related to ITE—as well as examine the validity of the evidence, for example, ensuring that the submitted recordings have not undergone manipulation or editing that changes the context.

Who are the reporters?

Based on circulating information, the reporters come from various elements, including:

  • Angkatan Muda Nahdlatul Ulama and the young Muhammadiyah alliance represented by coordinator Rizki Abdul Rahman Wahid,
  • another reporter through a public complaint
  • an figure associated with Islamic Defenders Front, namely Novel Chaidir Hasan,
  • and Majelis Pesantren Salafiyah Banten through an administrator named Sudirman, and other reporters with similar substance.