Holiday Ayo - Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono has spoken out about the material in his Torajan funeral jokes, which have drawn criticism. Pandji apologized and respects the legal action taken against him.

In recent days, Pandji admitted to receiving numerous protests and anger from Torajan residents regarding the jokes in his 2013 performance, Mesakke Bangsaku.

He then spoke with Rukka Sombolinggi, Secretary General of the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), and gained insight into the beauty of Torajan culture—its meaning, values, and depth.

"From that conversation, I realized that my jokes were ignorant, and for that, I would like to sincerely apologize to the Torajan people who were offended and felt hurt," Pandji said in a statement published on Instagram on Tuesday (November 4).

Pandji stated that there are currently two legal processes underway: the state legal process, stemming from a police report, and the customary legal process.

Based on discussions with Rukka, customary resolution can only be implemented in Toraja.

According to Pandji, Rukka is willing to facilitate a meeting between himself and representatives from 32 Toraja customary regions. He plans to take that step.

However, if time is not available, Pandji stated that he will respect and follow the applicable state legal process.

"I will learn from this incident and use it as an opportunity to become a better comedian more sensitive, more careful, and more caring," he said.

The Toraja Youth Alliance has reported Panji Pragiwaksono to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) for allegedly insulting Toraja customs.

"We, the youth of Toraja, officially report this alleged crime to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Mabes Polri)," said Prilki Prakasa Randan in a press release on Monday (November 3).

Prilki stated that the comedy material presented by Panji in the video circulating on social media contained elements of cultural racism and discrimination based on ethnicity and culture.

"Pandji Pragiwaksono made fun of the Torajan people's traditional ritual of Rambu Solo (rambu solo) in his comedy, inviting the audience (participants) to laugh at the Torajan people's ritual," she said.

Prilki explained that Panji Pragiwaksono stated that in Toraja, when a family member dies, a very expensive ceremony is held.

This leads to many Torajans becoming impoverished due to the funeral, ultimately leaving the body unattended.

"This statement is not only false and misleading, but also hurts the dignity and honor of Torajan customs, which have been passed down through generations as part of the Indonesian archipelago's civilization.

The Rambu Solo tradition is a sacred ritual within the belief system, social values, and spiritual expression that have been passed down from our ancestors," she explained.

Prilki considered Panji Pragiwaksono's statement an insult and an insult to the customs and culture of the Torajan people, thus potentially criminalizing them under Articles 156 and 157 of the Criminal Code.

Likewise, Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning ITE Article 28 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 45A paragraph (2), as amended by Law No. 19 of 2016.