Toraja, Thekabarnews.com—Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono attended a Toraja traditional court in Tongkonan Layuk Kaero in Sangalla, Tana Toraja, Tuesday, February 10. This happened following controversy surrounding a joke he made in his 2013 show Mesakke Bangsaku. The joke, which was about Toraja’s traditional funeral ceremony called Rambu Solo, spread quickly on social media. As a result, it caused concern among the Indigenous Toraja people.

The regular meeting, called Ma’Buak Burun Mangkali Oto, brought together people from 32 different parts of Toraya. The Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) facilitated the event. This event was part of an effort to find a solution through traditional ways of talking and solving problems.

Pandji listened closely to what the traditional leaders said and agreed with them. He said how much he liked being part of what he called “a beautiful and noble process of restoring harmony.”

Pandji said that everyone could join in and that it was fair. “I get what other people are saying, and I hope this talk will help me be a better person,” he stated. Moreover, Pandji wanted everyone to be happy that he was back in Toraja.

Head of AMAN Toraya Romba Marannu Sombolinggi made it clear that there was more going on than just talking to Pandji. He also said that the video made things worse. In addition, not everyone followed the rules.

“Pandji didn’t just say sorry this time. We, as the Toraya Indigenous community, also said we were sorry for replies that may have gone too far,” he said.

Customary judges—Saba’ Sombolinggi, Eric Crystal Ranteallo, Yusuf Sura’ Tandirerung, Maksi Balalembang, Lewaran Rantela’bi, Nura Massora Salusu, and Romba Marannu Sombolinggi—said that people were mostly confused because they lacked sufficient knowledge about the culture. However, it was not because of malicious intent. They stressed that everyone in the community needed to talk about the issue. Not just one person makes a choice.

Secretary of Tongkonan Kada Daud Pangarungan says that Toraja traditional law is more about doing the right thing. It isn’t only about punishing people.

“Our customary law says we should get better. It isn’t a price; it’s a way to get better,” Daud said.

As part of the process of making up, Pandji promised to give one pig and five chickens. These animals will be part of a ceremony on Wednesday, February 11. The gift is a way to symbolically bring people, nature, ancestors, and the Creator back together.

Pandji’s lawyer, Haris Azhar, said that the best way to learn was to do things the right way. He said that the process shows how well Indigenous people can talk things over. This happens when they don’t agree.

People who watch the case see it as an example of restorative justice. This means fixing things and making the world a better place instead of getting back at someone.