January 9, 2026 | 11:40 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) leadership denies involvement in the police report against comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono to the Jakarta Metro Police. On January 8, 2026, the Nahdlatul Ulama Youth and the Muhammadiyah Youth Alliance reported Pandji's stand-up comedy show, Mens Rea, to the police.
NU Chair Ulil Abshar Abdalla claimed that the youth group is not part of the organization. He stated that NU Youth has never existed as an institution or autonomous body within the organizational structure. "But for a long time, many people have created various things in the name of NU," said Gus Ulil in his statement on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
He says this is because NU is known for being open, which allows anyone to form an institution in NU's name.
However, Ulil considers some of the institutions using NU's name to be spontaneous and temporary. He even stated that some of them only last for a few hours. "Some want to stage a protest on a particular issue and create movements in the name of NU," he said.
Ulil expressed regret regarding the police report against the solo comedy performance. He mentioned that humor is essential in society and should not be subjected to legal processes.
"We need a lot of laughter in this country. It's a pity if comedians who make many people laugh have to be reported to the authorities. Humor is the key," he said.
Previously, Pandji Pragiwaksono was reported to the Jakarta Metro Police for alleged incitement and blasphemy. The police are currently reviewing the content of the report filed by the Nahdlatul Ulama Youth and the Muhammadiyah Youth Alliance.
The Presidium of the NU Youth, Rizki Abdul Rahman Wahid, believes that Pandji has tarnished the good name of Islamic organizations with his stand-up material. "He has degraded and slandered specifically the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, namely NU and Muhammadiyah," Rizki said as quoted by Antara.
Rizki stated that Pandji unilaterally assumed that NU and Muhammadiyah were involved in practical politics. "As if NU and Muhammadiyah received benefits because they gave their votes in the last electoral contest," said Rizki.
Therefore, Rizki hopes that his report and findings will be promptly followed up by the Jakarta Metro Police. "As soon as possible, he should be called in for clarification, and if there is indeed evidence that we have submitted, it should be promptly addressed," he said.
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