Editors-in-Chief Forum Condemns Hotman's 'Do You Have a Brain?': Highly Unprofessional

The Editors-in-Chief Forum (Forum Pemred) has expressed regret over the manner and attitude of lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea in responding to a journalist’s question at the Attorney General’s Office. His statement was deemed to demean the journalism profession.

‘The choice of words and the way Hotman Paris Hutapea responded to the journalist’s question was highly unprofessional and demeaning to the profession of journalists who are carrying out their duties under Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press,’ said Forum Pemred Chairperson Retno Pinasti in a written statement on Sunday (19/7/2026).

Retno stated that asking questions is a journalist’s way of confirming and digging for information from sources as part of a professional journalistic process and discipline of verification protected by law. Meanwhile, sources have the right not to answer journalists’ questions.

‘However, it is highly inappropriate for a source to respond to a journalist’s question in a demeaning manner, both through word choice, such as ’do you have a brain’, and an arrogant attitude that completely fails to address the substance of the question,’ she said.

She noted that journalistic work in Indonesia is legally protected by Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press. According to her, Article 8 of the Press Law explicitly states that journalists receive legal protection in carrying out their profession, including the right to refuse, prohibition of censorship, and freedom from acts of violence and intimidation.

‘Responding to questions in an intimidating manner, whether verbal or non-verbal, contradicts Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press and the spirit of press freedom,’ Retno said.

Retno affirmed that the Editors-in-Chief Forum has a strong interest in the safety and honour of journalists in carrying out their journalistic duties, including fighting against those who deliberately demean the journalism profession or obstruct journalistic work.

‘The Editors-in-Chief Forum urges all parties to safeguard press freedom by mutually respecting each other’s professions and prioritising their respective competencies and professional ethics,’ she added.