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Comedian's Netflix Special Sparks Religious Controversy in Indonesia

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pandji Pragiwaksono, a stand-up comic, recorded his Netflix special Mens Rea in Jakarta on December 30, performing before 10,000 people.
His jokes about Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah sparked controversy.
On January 8, youth groups from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah filed police complaints against him, accusing him of public incitement and blasphemy.
The case underscores tensions over freedom of expression in Indonesia regarding sensitive religious topics.

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Story summary

Pandji Pragiwaksono, a stand-up comic, recorded his Netflix special Mens Rea in Jakarta on December 30, performing before 10,000 people.
His jokes about Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah sparked controversy.
On January 8, youth groups from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah filed police complaints against him, accusing him of public incitement and blasphemy.
The case underscores tensions over freedom of expression in Indonesia regarding sensitive religious topics.