Member of Commission III of the DPR: Pandji's criticism in Mens Rea does not need to be reported to the police

Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdullah, responded to comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono's report to the Polda Metro Jaya regarding the material of a stand-up comedy titled Mens Rea which was considered to have caused a commotion in the community.

Abdullah emphasized that the criticism conveyed by Pandji through the comedy material was a natural thing in a democratic country. According to him, as citizens, Pandji has the right to deliver criticism, as long as it is done in a good way and still maintains ethics.

"Criticism conveyed through Mens Rea is a natural thing. Every citizen has the right to express criticism, including through the medium of art and comedy, as long as it is done well and ethical," Abdullah told reporters, Friday, January 9.

According to Abdullah, comedy content should not be immediately brought to the legal realm. He emphasized that differences of opinion or dislike of a work are enough to be addressed with criticism, not by reporting to the police.

"If there are parties who do not like or feel that they do not agree with the material Mens Rea, just deliver the criticism. There is no need to bring all things to the legal realm," said the PKB legislator.

However, Abdullah reminded the public, including artists and comedians, to maintain ethics in delivering criticism, especially those aimed at the government and public officials.

"Criticism is important and guaranteed by the constitution, but ethics must also be maintained. Criticism that is delivered politely and responsibly will actually strengthen our democracy," he concluded.

Previously, Pandji was reported to the Polda Metro Jaya by the Nahdatul Ulama Youth Force (NU) together with the Muhammadiyah Youth Alliance. The report was registered in number LP/B/166/I/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA dated January 8, 2026.

Pandji is reported to be related to Article 300 and/or Article 301 of the Criminal Code and/or Article 242 of the Criminal Code and/or Article 243 of the Criminal Code. The evidence submitted by the reporter is a recording containing the material of the stand-up comedy delivered by Pandji.