The legal case involving Pandji Pragiwaksono related to the Mens Rea show has raised concerns about potential negative effects on the stand-up comedy industry in Indonesia. Many are wondering if, after this, comedians will become afraid to deliver sharp criticism or bring sensitive issues to the stage.

Pandji Pragiwaksono has finally spoken out about the fate of the industry that made his name. He appears optimistic that this case will not silence the courage of his colleagues.

“I don’t think so, because fellow stand-up comedians are exactly in my position. When we go on stage, it’s a performance, something conceptualized to make people laugh,” said Pandji Pragiwaksono when met at the Metro Jaya Regional Police headquarters.

According to him, every comedian understands the risks of their profession. He emphasized that the comedy stage is a space for expression aimed at capturing social reality through the lens of humor.

“So there’s no reason to worry because from the start, everyone’s intention, including mine, has been to entertain the Indonesian people. Something I feel is very much needed right now,” he asserted.

The 46-year-old comedian also cautioned that comedians must be ready to provide explanations and engage in dialogue if their work is questioned.

“Of course, there’s always a possibility for misunderstanding, but we are prepared or preparing ourselves for dialogue,” he said.

Echoing Pandji Pragiwaksono, his legal representative expressed hope that this case could become a valuable lesson for the future of freedom of expression in Indonesia.

“This will set a good precedent, it will be good capital for the police institutionally, for stand-up comedians, and for all of us broadly,” the representative stated.

This legal issue began with the launch of Pandji Pragiwaksono’s solo show titled Mens Rea, which was streamed on the Netflix platform. Several parties, including groups claiming to represent religious organizations, reported Pandji Pragiwaksono to the Metro Jaya Regional Police because they objected to some of his comedy material.

Mens Rea

“Mens Rea” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a legal term from Latin meaning “guilty mind.” It is a fundamental principle in criminal law, referring to the mental state or intention a person must have while committing an act for it to be considered a crime. Its history dates back to English common law and has been a cornerstone of Western legal systems for centuries, emphasizing that criminal liability requires both a wrongful act (*actus reus*) and a culpable state of mind.

Netflix

Netflix is a global streaming service founded in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail rental company in the United States. It revolutionized home entertainment by pioneering a subscription-based model and shifting to online streaming in 2007, leading to its current status as a dominant producer and distributor of original films and series worldwide.

Metro Jaya Regional Police

The Metro Jaya Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) is the Indonesian National Police command responsible for the capital region of Jakarta and its satellite cities. It was officially formed in 1967 and is historically significant for maintaining order in the nation’s political and economic center, often playing a central role during major national events and periods of social change.