Indonesian Comedian Called by Police About Netflix Show

• Five police reports were filed against Pragiwaksono, two by members of youth wings from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, alleging blasphemy and defamation (though both parent organizations denied affiliation with the complainants)
• The nearly 2.5-hour Netflix show criticized Muslim organizations for receiving a mining concession from the previous government and included satire about President Prabowo Subianto's 2024 election victory
• The case has divided Indonesian public opinion between those accusing the comedian of insulting religious and state institutions and democracy activists defending his free speech rights

Summary: Indonesian Comedian Summoned by Police Over Netflix Special

Indonesian comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono, the first from his country to air a Netflix special, was summoned by Jakarta police on February 6 following public complaints about his stand-up material. The nearly 2.5-hour show, which premiered on Netflix on December 27, featured satirical commentary on Indonesian politics, democracy, and the 2024 election.

Key Details:

• Five police reports were filed against Pragiwaksono, though he has not been formally charged
• Two reports came from youth wing members of Indonesia's two largest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, alleging blasphemy and defamation
• Both organizations denied affiliation with those who filed complaints
• The comedian criticized these religious organizations for receiving mining concessions from former President Jokowi's government
• The show also included commentary on current President Prabowo Subianto, a former military general who won the 2024 election

Market Implications:

This incident highlights regulatory and content risks for streaming platforms operating in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation. Netflix and similar services face potential content restrictions and political sensitivities when distributing material critical of government institutions and religious organizations in the country.

The case has polarized Indonesian society, with some accusing the comedian of insulting state and religious institutions while democracy activists defend his freedom of expression. The outcome could set precedents for content moderation and free speech boundaries affecting digital media companies operating in Southeast Asia's largest economy.