Pandji Pragiwaksono, a prominent Indonesian comedian, was summoned by Jakarta police on Feb. 6 following five public complaints about material in his Netflix special released on Dec. 27. The nearly two-and-a-half-hour show satirised Indonesian politics, including the 2024 election won by Prabowo Subianto, and criticised major Muslim organisations. Two complaints alleging blasphemy and defamation were filed by members of the organisations' youth wings, though both groups deny ties to the complainants. Pandji was questioned for about an hour and remains in police custody but has not been formally charged.
Indonesia Summons Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono Over Controversial Netflix Special
FILE PHOTO: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
JAKARTA — A leading Indonesian comedian, Pandji Pragiwaksono, was summoned by Jakarta police on Feb. 6 after public complaints about material in his Netflix stand-up special, which was released on Dec. 27.
What Happened
The nearly two-and-a-half-hour show includes satirical commentary on Indonesian politics and democracy, including material related to the 2024 election. The 2024 vote was won by former military general Prabowo Subianto, who has since taken office as president.
In the special, Pandji criticised Indonesia's two largest Muslim organisations—Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah—alleging they benefited from a mining concession granted while President Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi) was in office. Jokowi's son served as Prabowo's running mate and later became vice president.
Police Action And Complaints
Jakarta police said they were acting on five public reports. "Yes, today we are clarifying several things based on five police reports," Andaru Rahutomo, a Jakarta police spokesperson, told Reuters, confirming Pandji was in police custody for questioning. He has not been formally charged.
"We came here for clarification... He (Pragiwaksono) is already here, perhaps he can share his version of the story with the police," said Haris Azhar, the comedian's lawyer, before an hour-long interrogation began.
Two of the five complaints were filed by members of the youth wings of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, alleging blasphemy and defamation. Both organisations publicly said they were not affiliated with the individuals who filed the reports.
Reaction And Context
The special has divided public opinion in Indonesia. Some critics accused Pandji of insulting religious groups and state institutions, while civil society and democracy advocates defended his right to satire and political commentary. The episode highlights ongoing tensions in Indonesia over freedom of expression, religion, and politics.
Reporting: Ananda Teresia. Editing: Gibran Peshimam and Mark Heinrich.
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