Pandji Pragiwaksono Clarifies with MUI Central, No More Mens Rea

Haris emphasized that the issues alleged against Pandji, including the matter of mens rea or intent in the performance, indeed need to be explained directly. Moreover, this issue has previously become a topic of informal discussion within MUI. "Because the matter of Mens Rea, the things alleged against Pandji as well, this is my language, have been informally discussed by several high-ranking officials in MUI," Haris continued.

Haris views MUI as an institution that has the scholarly capacity and wisdom to respond to this issue wisely. He emphasized that they did not come with demands or requests for specific results. "We are not asking for the results to be like this or that, no. We just came sincerely, we explained," he asserted.

Pandji Pragiwaksono himself expressed gratitude that the dialogue with MUI went smoothly and in a relaxed atmosphere. He asserted that from the beginning he has always been open to dialogue if there is confusion or differences in interpretation regarding his work. "I am here with the intention of fostering relationships, then to clarify, trying to explain the meaning behind my performance," said Pandji.

According to Pandji, dialogue is the key in addressing the polemics of artistic works. He feels that artists also have the right and need to explain directly the intention behind their creations. "When I create a work, there are certainly many interpretations, but the artist can also be asked for clarity on the intention of a work," he said. Pandji even mentioned that the meeting was warm and full of laughter, far from any tense impression. "The conversation was very enjoyable, full of laughter as well," he added.

On that occasion, Pandji also received input from MUI as material for reflection moving forward. He acknowledged being reminded that there is always room for improvement in creating works, especially when those works are consumed by the wider public. "As a creator, there is always room to be better," Pandji stated.

Pandji is committed to continuously considering the feelings of many parties in every work he produces. "I want to keep creating, and my works are designed to entertain as many people as possible, so those works must be designed with the feelings of as many people as possible in mind," he said.

When asked about the possibility of a sequel titled Mens Rea, Pandji firmly answered that there would be none. "Is there going to be another Mens Rea? The answer is no," said Pandji.

However, he emphasized that this does not mean he will stop creating comedy shows. Pandji explained that in his last ten solo shows, the titles have always been different. "Will there be another comedy show? There will definitely be, but the title will no longer be Mens Rea," he clarified.

Although the title of the show will change, Pandji acknowledges that social and political themes will still be part of his comedy material. According to him, this is a personal concern that he has wanted to express on stage. "I enjoy discussing social and political issues because that is my concern, a topic that I like," concluded Pandji.

Meanwhile, Haris Azhar added that in the near future, Pandji will also fulfill an invitation from the investigators of the Metro Jaya Police to provide a statement. "On Friday at 10 we will attend the invitation from the investigators of the Metro Jaya Police," Haris concluded.