Parliamentary Journalists Protest PDIP's Deddy Sitorus Over 'Like a Circus' Remark

The Parliamentary Journalists Coordinator (KWP) has protested against a remark made by Deddy Sitorus, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission II from the PDIP faction, who allegedly said ‘like a circus’. The KWP believes Deddy was referring to journalists as a circus troupe with his comment. The incident began when journalists were monitoring a Commission II DPR meeting outside the meeting room in the Senayan building, Jakarta, on Thursday (30/7/2026). Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad was then seen approaching the meeting room. Journalists were documenting Dasco’s arrival as he walked towards the room. Subsequently, the previously closed door of the Commission II meeting room opened and Dasco appeared to enter. The journalists also rushed in. Shortly after that moment, Deddy Sitorus was heard saying ‘like a circus’. Deddy was also heard saying ‘go upstairs’. In response, the Parliamentary Journalists Coordinatoriat objected to Deddy Sitorus’s statement. Erwin Syahputra, Deputy Chair for Administration of the KWP, expressed his objection to Deddy’s statement, believing Deddy had called the journalists a circus. He stated that the KWP is giving Deddy Sitorus 24 hours to issue a public apology. ‘Today we feel insulted and demeaned by a member of the DPR. The meeting agenda was openly allowed for coverage. However, the action and statement by Saudara Deddy Sitorus, who said we journalists were like a circus troupe, we consider this an extraordinary insult,’ he said during a press conference. Erwin said that if no apology is made within 24 hours, the KWP will report the matter to the House Ethics Council (MKD). Additionally, a letter will be sent to the PDIP faction, the PDIP Central Executive Board, and the DPR leadership. ‘For this reason, we, the management of the parliamentary journalists coordinator, will report this matter to the MKD and possibly after that we will also send a letter to the faction and the Chairperson of the PDIP Central Executive Board,’ he said. Erwin stressed that this move is not to seek attention but to safeguard the dignity of the journalism profession and prevent similar treatment in the future. Deddy Sitorus later provided an explanation, denying that he called journalists a circus troupe. ‘I was protesting the technical assistants and staff who were crowding inside, even though a place had been provided on the balcony. Please check the recording, did I mention journalists? Don’t slander!’ he said when contacted. ‘As a journalist, it’s better to check and re-check first before reacting.’