{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1868362,
        "msgid": "editors-forum-urges-hotman-paris-to-respect-journalistic-profession-1784461886",
        "date": "2026-07-19 17:55:34",
        "title": "Editors' Forum Urges Hotman Paris to Respect Journalistic Profession",
        "author": "Dwi Murdaningsih",
        "source": "REPUBLIKA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Legal",
        "summary": "The Indonesian Editors' Forum (Forum Pemred) has condemned lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea for his disrespectful and intimidating response to journalists during a press conference at the Attorney General's Office. The forum emphasized that such conduct violates Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, which guarantees legal protection for journalists against intimidation. They called on all parties to uphold press freedom and respect the professional duties of journalists.",
        "content": "<p>The Indonesian Editors\u2019 Forum (Forum Pemred) has expressed regret\nover the attitude and manner of lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea in\nresponding to journalists\u2019 questions during a press conference at the\nAttorney General\u2019s Office in Jakarta on Friday (17\/7\/2026).<\/p>\n<p>In a press statement received on Sunday (19\/7\/2026), Forum Pemred\nChair Retno Pinasti stated that Hotman Paris\u2019s choice of words and\ndemeanour in responding to journalists\u2019 questions were highly\nunprofessional and demeaned the journalistic profession, which is\ncarrying out its duties under the mandate of Press Law No.\u00a040 of\n1999.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Asking questions is a journalist\u2019s way of confirming and gathering\ninformation from sources as part of a professional journalistic process\nand the discipline of verification protected by law,\u2019 Retno said.<\/p>\n<p>She noted that while sources have the right not to answer questions,\nit is inappropriate to respond in a manner that belittles the\nprofession, either through word choice or an arrogant attitude that\navoids addressing the substance of the question.<\/p>\n<p>Retno stressed that journalistic work in Indonesia is officially\nprotected by Law No.\u00a040 of 1999 on the Press. The law explicitly states\nthat journalists are entitled to legal protection in carrying out their\nprofession, including the right to refuse, freedom from censorship, and\nprotection from acts of intimidation. Responding to journalists\u2019\nquestions in an intimidating manner, whether verbally or non-verbally,\ncontradicts the spirit of press freedom.<\/p>\n<p>The Forum Pemred urged all parties to respect press freedom by\nhonouring each other\u2019s professions and upholding their respective\ncompetencies and professional ethics. Retno added that the forum is\ncommitted to advocating for the safety and dignity of journalists in\ncarrying out their journalistic duties, including opposing those who\ndeliberately demean the profession or obstruct journalistic work.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/editors-forum-urges-hotman-paris-to-respect-journalistic-profession-1784461886",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}