Indonesian Editors' Forum Regrets Hotman Paris' Remarks, Says They Degrade Journalists

The Indonesian Editors’ Forum (Forum Pemred) has officially expressed regret over the attitude and remarks of senior lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea, which they deemed degrading to the journalism profession. The statement follows an incident during a press conference at the Attorney General’s Office where Hotman Paris responded dismissively to a journalist’s question. Forum Pemred Chairperson Retno Pinasti stated that the choice of words and the manner in which Hotman Paris responded to the journalist were unprofessional and demeaning to a profession carrying out its duties as mandated by the Press Law. Retno emphasised that asking questions is a fundamental method for journalists to confirm and dig for information from sources, a process that is part of a professional verification discipline protected by law. While a source has the right to decline to answer, the Forum Pemred believes it is inappropriate to respond in an intimidating or degrading manner. The incident occurred when a journalist asked about the feelings of Hotman Paris’ client, former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah, after being named a suspect. Hotman Paris retorted with the remark, ‘Do you have a brain or not?’ and made other arrogant statements that failed to address the substance of the question. The Forum Pemred urged all parties to safeguard press freedom by mutually respecting professional ethics, asserting that intimidating responses to journalists’ questions contravene the Press Law and the spirit of press freedom.