Deddy Sitorus Reported to House Ethics Council After Calling Meeting a 'Circus'

The Parliamentary Journalists Coordinator (KWP) has officially reported member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission II, Deddy Yevri Hanteru Sitorus, to the House Ethics Council (MKD) DPR RI. This legal step by the journalists’ organisation follows the controversy surrounding his ‘circus’ remark during press coverage of a Commission II meeting.

KWP Administrative Vice Chairman Erwin Syahpendra Siregar confirmed that the report has been registered with the MKD under application number 78. The organisation decided to pursue an ethical route because the PDI Perjuangan politician refused to issue a formal apology.

“We have requested that he issue a public apology, but he stated that he would not do so. Based on that, we have proceeded to submit a letter to the MKD to report Mr Deddy Yevri H. Sitorus,” Erwin stated at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday.

In the report, the KWP submitted supporting evidence, including video recordings of the incident and testimonies from journalists present at the scene. Erwin emphasised that this action is taken solely to uphold the honour and dignity of the journalism profession working within the DPR RI environment.

In response to the report, the Chairman of the House Ethics Council, Nazaruddin Dek Gam, confirmed that the council has received the complaint from the KWP. He assured that the verification process would be conducted objectively, regardless of the reported party’s status. “For the MKD, whoever it is, everyone is treated equally,” Dek Gam said, adding that the council may summon Deddy Sitorus for clarification.

Previously, Deddy Sitorus issued a written clarification regarding the allegations, arguing that the KWP’s claims were out of context. He explained that during the meeting, he felt the room was disorderly due to the large number of people standing in the central area. “Chairperson, please organise the room; there are many people standing here, even though there is balcony space available. We are like a circus,” Deddy had remarked during the session. He maintained that the remark was purely a critique of the crowded meeting room and was not directed at the media or any specific individual.