Pandji Pragiwaksono Clarifies the News About Customary Fine from the Toraja Community

Kapanlagi.com - Comedian and actor Pandji Pragiwaksono finally speaks out in response to the news that he was subjected to a customary punishment by the Toraja community. The issue arose after a clip of his joke about the Toraja tribe's burial tradition went viral on social media and was deemed to offend cultural elements.

This incident began from an old video clip of Pandji performing comedy material years ago. In the clip, he is considered to have mocked the burial traditions of the Toraja community, which hold sacred values.

Read more news about Pandji Pragiwaksono at Liputan6.com.

1. Not Completely True

As a result, rumors circulated that Pandji was fined an adat penalty of Rp2 billion and had to surrender 48 buffalo and pigs each.

In response to this, Pandji emphasized that the news regarding the adat sanctions is not entirely true. He stated that there has not yet been an official decision issued by the Toraja indigenous community.

2. Engage in Dialogue

Pandji Pragiwaksono © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

"Currently, a dialogue has been held with friends at AMAN. The Secretary General, Mrs. Rukka Sombolinggi, said that it is actually not accurate to require the provision of 96 animals and such a large sum of money," said Pandji in the Wijaya area, South Jakarta, Thursday (13/11).

According to the 44-year-old comedian, the adat sanctions can only be decided after a deliberation with all representatives of the customary regions.

3. No Punishment Yet

Pandji Pragiwaksono © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

"Because the dialogue must be conducted together with representatives from the 32 customary regions of Toraja. So if the dialogue has not happened, actually the punishment has not happened either," he explained.

Pandji admitted that he has publicly apologized to the Toraja community. He also acknowledged his mistake in choosing comedic material.

4. No Intention to Offend

Pandji Pragiwaksono © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

"I also realize that I was ignorant in writing the joke, I did not intend to offend the Toraja community," he said.

Furthermore, Pandji mentioned that many parties from Toraja actually stated that no customary sanctions were imposed on him. Nevertheless, he plans to make a donation as a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of peace.

5. Self Initiative

Pandji Pragiwaksono © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

"That there might be contributions given later, that is more of a good initiative from me," said Pandji.

He also handed over the entire resolution process to the parties who understand Toraja customs.

6. Trust in Mother Rukka

Pandji Pragiwaksono © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

"For matters of Toraja community customs, I trust Mother Rukka Sombolinggi from AMAN," he said.

Previously, Pandji faced criticism after a clip of his stand-up performance spread on social media. Many netizens felt that the material had ethnic and religious nuances. Now, Pandji is trying to resolve the issue through cultural approaches and open dialogue.

7. Q & A About Pandji Pragiwaksono

Pandji Pragiwaksono © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

What is the cause of the controversy between Pandji Pragiwaksono and the Toraja community?
This controversy is caused by the stand-up comedy material of Pandji Pragiwaksono from the Mesakke Bangsaku show in 2013, which has gone viral again and is considered to offend the Rambu Solo burial customs of the Toraja people.

What will be Pandji Pragiwaksono's next steps to resolve this issue?
Pandji will prioritize a customary resolution by planning to come directly to Toraja for dialogue, but he is also prepared to respect and undergo legal processes if there are time constraints.

(kpl/pur/tdr)