Hotman Paris Apologises After Remarks to Journalist Spark Criticism

Prominent lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea has apologised to journalists and Indonesian press organisations following sharp criticism over his remarks to a reporter during a press conference. The incident occurred on Friday, 17 July 2026, during a press conference related to the case of former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus), Febrie Adriansyah.

Hotman had snapped at a journalist, saying, ‘Do you have a brain or not?’ The comment drew strong rebukes from the Indonesian Press Association (PWI) and other professional journalist bodies.

‘In response to the appeal from the Indonesian Press Association (PWI) and fellow journalists, I hereby offer my sincerest apologies for my statement during the press conference on the former Jampidsus case, where I said, “Do you have a brain or not?”’ he stated on his Instagram account on Monday, 20 July 2026.

Hotman also provided clarification regarding the actual sequence of events. He explained that a journalist had initially asked whether there was a hidden agenda from the relevant institution. ‘However, I need to clarify that the media only quoted the final part. The full context was not reported. The fact is, a journalist asked me, “Does the relevant institution have a hidden agenda?” I replied that I did not know and did not have the capacity to answer that,’ he said.

At the same time, another journalist bombarded him with questions about whether the institution had made a mistake. ‘Before I finished answering, a second journalist asked, “Did the institution make a mistake?” I became emotional, going back and forth saying I did not know. Finally, I answered, “Do you have a brain or not?” What I meant was, I had already said I didn’t know, because it’s impossible for me to answer what the hidden agenda of a law enforcement institution is. That is roughly what actually happened,’ he explained.

Hotman stressed, however, that his actions were inexcusable. He reiterated his apology to the journalist involved and to press organisations for the incident that occurred during the press conference.