Indonesian Comedian PMTI Asks Pandji Pragiwaksono to Apologize for Joking About Toraja Culture

The Toraja Indonesian Community Association (PMTI) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, is urging comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono to apologize for making jokes about Toraja culture, specifically Rambu Solo. PMTI asserts that Pandji’s material regarding Rambu Solo has hurt the Toraja community. ‘We demand that Pandji publicly apologize,’ said PMTI Makassar Chairman Amson Padolo in a statement on Monday (3/11/2025).
Amson emphasized that culture should not be the subject of jokes. He hopes that the polemic surrounding Pandji’s stand-up material can serve as a lesson for everyone to be cautious when discussing culture and ethnic groups. ‘This is not just about one ethnic group, but a lesson for everyone to not casually mock other people’s culture, even in a humorous context,’ he added.
He believes that humor should be used to build awareness, not reinforce stereotypes. He reiterated that Pandji’s material has hurt the Toraja community. ‘Not everything can be a source of laughter. For us, this is not funny, it’s painful. Especially when said by a public figure,’ he said.
Previously reported, Amson explained that the Rambu Solo tradition, or funeral ceremonies, is not a lavish affair. He emphasized that this tradition is a final form of respect for the deceased. The ceremony reflects values of kinship, community spirit, and love. Behind the grand procession lies a philosophy of social solidarity and reverence for life.
The essence of Rambu Solo is to honor deceased parents or relatives. It is a fusion of Aluk Todolo teachings and Christian values. It is not about celebration or extravagance but about respect and love,’ he stated.
Pandji Pragiwaksono’s Stand-Up Material
In a circulated video, Pandji delivered stand-up comedy material that was deemed offensive to the Toraja community. He mentioned that many Toraja residents became impoverished due to extravagant funeral ceremonies, even depicting a deceased family member left unburied in the living room, in front of the television. ‘In Toraja, when a family member passes away, they have a very expensive funeral ceremony. Many Toraja people become poor after spending all their money on the funeral,’ Pandji said in the video.
‘And many don’t have money for the burial, so the body is left there. It’s a common practice. They just place the body in front of the TV in the living room. It’s normal for the family, but it can be awkward for visitors. Watching TV feels like watching a horror movie,’ Pandji continued, eliciting laughter from the audience.