IJTI Condemns Hotman Paris' 'Do You Have a Brain?' Remark to Journalist
The Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI) has condemned a statement made by Hotman Paris Hutapea, the legal counsel for former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah. The statement was deemed to have a tendency to harass, demean, and corner the journalistic profession in the field.
IJTI Chairman Herik Kurniawan stated on Monday (20/7/2026) that the organisation condemns all forms of verbal and non-verbal actions from any party that degrade the dignity of the journalistic profession. He stressed that press freedom and journalistic activities are pillars of democracy protected by law, and that journalists do not work for personal interests.
"Journalists work not for personal gain, but to fulfil the public’s right to truthful, balanced, and accurate information," he said. Herik added that asking critical, sharp, or confirmatory questions to sources is not a form of intimidation or trouble-making, but rather a professional obligation to produce balanced news that covers both sides.
The IJTI highlighted that journalists are bound by the Journalistic Code of Ethics. Article 1 stipulates that journalists must be independent and produce accurate, balanced news without malicious intent, while Article 3 requires journalists to verify information, report in a balanced manner, not mix facts with judgmental opinions, and apply the principle of presumption of innocence.
The association urged all parties to respect journalists performing their duties and called on the public to use constitutional mechanisms under Press Law No. 40 of 1999, such as the Right of Reply, Right of Correction, or complaints to the Press Council, if they object to journalistic products. "Do not resort to verbal intimidation or professional harassment in the public sphere," Herik said.
The IJTI also requested that television journalists in Indonesia continue to work professionally, adhere to the Journalistic Code of Ethics, and remain undaunted in conveying the truth for the public interest. The statement was issued in response to a press conference held by Hotman Paris on Friday (17/7), where he was representing his client, former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, a corruption suspect. During the conference, Hotman Paris was reported to have asked a journalist, "Do you have a brain?" in response to a question posed at the location.