Indonesian comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono, who made history as the first from his country to release a special on Netflix, underwent a lengthy police interrogation in Jakarta on Friday. The questioning followed multiple complaints alleging his material was both insulting and blasphemous, sparking a significant national controversy.
Seven-Hour Police Interrogation
After emerging from a seven-hour session at Jakarta police headquarters, Pragiwaksono stated he had answered all questions "as best as I could" and maintained he did not believe he had committed any religious blasphemy. Police officials confirmed the comedian was summoned for clarification purposes but clarified he was not named as a suspect nor faced any formal charges at this stage. "I will just follow the legal process," Pragiwaksono added, indicating his cooperation with authorities.
Content of the Controversial Special
The nearly two-and-a-half-hour Netflix special, which premiered on 27 December, features satirical commentary on Indonesian politics. This includes sharp observations about the recent 2024 election won by Prabowo Subianto, who now leads the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation. Additionally, Pragiwaksono's material criticised Indonesia's two largest Muslim organisations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, for accepting mining concessions from the government during Joko Widodo's presidency. Both organisations had previously denied any wrongdoing, asserting the concessions would ultimately benefit their members.
Multiple Police Reports Filed
Jakarta police spokesman Andaru Rahutomo confirmed authorities were "clarifying several things based on five police reports." Two of these reports were specifically filed by individuals claiming to be members of the youth wings of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah. These complaints alleged blasphemy and defamation against their respective organisations. However, in a significant development, both religious bodies have since stated they have no connection whatsoever to the individuals listed in the police complaints, distancing themselves from the legal action.
National Debate and Historical Context
The special has ignited a fierce debate across Indonesian society. While some accuse the comedian of insulting religious entities and state institutions, democracy activists have rallied to his defence, framing the case as a test of free speech. This incident follows a pattern of similar controversies involving artistic expression in Indonesia. In February 2025, Indonesian police were accused of intimidating the punk rock band Sukatani after they removed an anti-corruption song from streaming platforms.
The Sukatani duo from Central Java had issued a public apology on social media for their song "Bayar, Bayar, Bayar" (Pay, Pay, Pay), which directly called out alleged corruption within the Indonesian police force. Originally released in 2023, the song accused officers of taking bribes for issuing driving licences, freeing detainees, and conducting evictions. The track went viral and became an anthem for student protesters demonstrating against President Prabowo Subianto's budget cuts and policies.
Band guitarist Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti stated, "We sincerely apologise to the chief of police and the police institution. Actually, I created the song for police officers who violate the rules." He urged social media users to delete recordings of the song, while vocalist Novi Citra Indriyati declared that "if there is a risk in the future, it is no longer the responsibility of the Sukatani band." This historical context highlights the ongoing tensions between artistic expression, religious sensitivity, and political criticism in contemporary Indonesia.
