Before Resigning, Hotman Paris Caused a Stir Defending Febrie Adriansyah, from Accusations of Criminalisation to an Apology
Renowned lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea has officially resigned as legal counsel for former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah. The decision was conveyed by Hotman on Thursday, 23 July 2026, citing health reasons. “I told my client, Febrie, two days ago that I am resigning,” Hotman said. He stressed that his resignation was not related to the case Febrie is facing, but rather due to concerns that his health condition could worsen. “I told him (Febrie) that due to a health condition that could become severe, I have informed him of my resignation,” he stated.
Although he only served as Febrie’s lawyer for a few days after receiving the power of attorney on 17 July 2026, Hotman Paris’s actions and statements while accompanying the former Jampidsus official sparked various polemics. From the outset, Hotman Paris openly questioned the legal process conducted by investigators against his client. He considered the naming of Febrie as a suspect to be irregular and labelled the case as a form of criminalisation against a prosecutor who had a track record of achievement in eradicating corruption. This statement immediately drew attention as it contradicted the stance of the Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortastipidkor), which asserted that the suspect determination was based on evidence and applicable legal mechanisms.
Further controversy arose when Hotman linked the case to President Prabowo Subianto. He stated that Febrie was a figure the President was proud of for his success in helping to save state assets and recover state losses in various cases. “I feel concerned because the Jampidsus is someone President Prabowo is proud of,” Hotman said when announcing his role as Febrie’s lawyer. The remark prompted a response from various quarters, with Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi urging that the legal process not be associated with the President, as the case Febrie is facing falls strictly within the domain of law enforcement.