Pandji Pragiwaksono Apologizes to the Toraja Community for His Joke in 2013

"Good morning, Indonesia. Especially to the Toraja community whom I respect," wrote Pandji to start his post. He mentioned that over the past few days he has received many protests and anger from the Toraja people. "I have read and received all the protests and letters addressed to me," he added.

Pandji explained that he has had a direct dialogue with the Secretary General of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), Rukka Sombolinggi. In that conversation, he gained a new understanding of the meaning and noble values of Toraja culture. 

"From that conversation, I realized that the joke I made was indeed ignorant, and for that, I want to sincerely apologize to the Toraja community who were offended and felt hurt," he expressed.

Furthermore, Pandji revealed that there are currently two legal processes underway related to the incident, namely state law and customary law. He stated that resolution through customary law can only be conducted in Toraja. "Based on discussions with Mrs. Rukka, resolution through customary law can only be conducted in Toraja," he wrote.

Pandji also conveyed that Rukka Sombolinggi is willing to be a facilitator for a meeting between him and representatives from 32 customary regions in Toraja. He is committed to pursuing this path as long as it is feasible. "I will try to take that step. However, if it is not feasible in terms of time, I will respect and undergo the applicable state legal process," he said.

In the same post, Pandji emphasized that he would turn this incident into a valuable lesson to improve himself as a comedian. "I will learn from this incident and make it a moment to become a better, more sensitive, more careful, and more caring comedian," he wrote.

He also highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in the world of comedy without crossing the boundaries of respect for cultural and humanitarian values. "In my opinion, the notion that comedians should not talk about SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group relations) is less accurate. Indonesia is a country with extraordinary diversity: ethnicities, religions, races, and inter-group relations are part of the identity of this nation," said Pandji.

In closing his statement, Pandji hopes that comedians in Indonesia will continue to bravely discuss culture and customs, but in a more wise and respectful manner. "The important thing is not to stop talking about SARA, but how to discuss it without belittling or disparaging," he concluded. "I hope comedians in Indonesia continue to tell stories about the customs and traditions of this nation in a better, wiser, and more respectful way," Pandji concluded.