Indonesian Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono Faces Blasphemy Probe, Starts Over in US
Controversial Indonesian comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono is attempting to revitalize his career in the U.S. while under investigation for blasphemy back home. Relocating to New York four years ago, he is now honing his craft at open mics. His inaugural English-language tour is set to kick off on Aug. 26 in Australia before moving on to the U.S. and Canada. So far, he has only succeeded in auditions at Eastville Comedy Club and Westside Comedy Club, and he has not yet begun to earn an income. His material has been tailored for American audiences. Additionally, his 2025 Netflix special 'Mens Rea' incited protests from over 1,000 Muslims, resulting in police reports and four interrogations. If charged, he could face a five-year prison sentence and must submit his joke transcripts for approval in Indonesia.
Key facts
- Pandji Pragiwaksono is an Indonesian comedian who has headlined arenas in Indonesia.
- He moved to New York four years ago to start over in the American comedy scene.
- His first English-language tour begins Aug. 26 in Australia, then U.S. and Canada.
- He has passed auditions at Eastville Comedy Club in Brooklyn and Westside Comedy Club in Manhattan.
- His 2025 Netflix special 'Mens Rea' sparked a blasphemy investigation in Indonesia.
- Over 1,000 Muslims protested the special, and six people filed police reports.
- He was interrogated four times for six hours each; if charged, he faces up to five years in prison.
- He must now get his material approved by police before performing in Indonesia.
Entities
Artists
- Pandji Pragiwaksono
Institutions
- Netflix
- Eastville Comedy Club
- Westside Comedy Club
- Indonesia Arena
Locations
- West Java
- Indonesia
- Jakarta
- New York City
- Australia
- United States
- Canada
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan