Jakarta – Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono completed over seven hours of questioning at the Metro Jaya Police headquarters on Friday regarding reports of blasphemy related to his stand-up routine, “Mens Rea.” Following the clarification session, Pragiwaksono expressed surprise and gratitude upon learning of support from Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Pragiwaksono stated he hadn’t yet heard the news of Vice President Gibran’s defense of his comedy material when approached by the media. Upon hearing the news, the 46-year-old comedian expressed his deep appreciation for the Vice President’s stance.
“I think Vice President Gibran is an example of how to properly receive a joke, how to process a joke,” Pragiwaksono said to reporters at the Metro Jaya Police headquarters on Friday, February 6, 2026.
He believes Gibran’s statement is a positive sign for the creative industries, particularly stand-up comedy. Pragiwaksono noted that the Vice President demonstrated maturity as a public official by distinguishing between comedic criticism and actual criminal offenses.
“A joke doesn’t need to be taken too seriously and doesn’t need to create problems. I think that’s a pretty good indication,” Pragiwaksono added.
Pragiwaksono expressed hope that those who filed the reports against him would adopt a similar perspective to the Vice President when considering the concerns he raised on stage.
“I always open up space for dialogue and, historically, there’s been plenty of evidence to show that when there’s a misunderstanding or a misinterpretation of the meaning of my artwork, I’m always willing to engage in dialogue,” Pragiwaksono emphasized.
He reiterated that the intention behind his “Mens Rea” performance was not to incite hatred or defame religious institutions, but rather to entertain and spark social discussion.
“I just want to go through the process. If there’s an invitation for dialogue, I’m happy to participate,” he concluded.
The clarification comes after police scheduled Pragiwaksono for questioning following five reports filed against him. Police have already examined ten witnesses in the defamation case. The reports stem from jokes made during his Netflix special, which targeted President Prabowo Subianto, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, former leader Joko Widodo, and the national police, but particularly drew criticism for comments about Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s two largest Muslim organizations.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka previously expressed his support for young Indonesians, including Pragiwaksono, to continue their work and contribute constructive input to national development, according to a written statement released on Wednesday, February 4.
