PDIP's Deddy Denies Calling Parliamentary Journalists a 'Circus', Claims Remark Was About Chaotic Situation

House of Representatives (DPR) Commission II member Deddy Sitorus of the PDIP faction has denied calling journalists a ‘circus mob’ during a commission meeting. Deddy stressed that his remark was aimed at the chaotic situation in the room.

‘What I protested was the expert staff and staff who were crowding inside, even though seating had been provided on the balcony. Please check the recording, did I mention journalists? Do not slander me!’ Deddy said when contacted on Thursday (30/7/2026). ‘As journalists, it is better to check and recheck before reacting,’ he added.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Commission II meeting at the DPR building, Deddy reiterated that he never mentioned journalists. He said he was referring to the large number of expert staff and staff of meeting participants inside the meeting room. ‘So I did not mention journalists, especially the expert staff and staff of the meeting participants. I did not allude to journalists at all,’ Deddy said.

Deddy asked those questioning his remarks to review the meeting recording. According to him, the meeting had already started but many people were still standing inside the room despite seating being available on the balcony. ‘There was none at all. Check the recording. I saw the meeting situation had started, too many people were inside, even though there was a balcony above. I said, “Please maintain order. Seating has been provided upstairs, don’t be like a circus.” That is what I said,’ he stated.

Deddy also dismissed the notion that he was angry with journalists. He felt he did not need to apologise because he never mentioned journalists in his remarks. ‘Apologise for what? They should apologise for assuming without checking the facts. They need to be examined. What do you want? Apologise to whom?’ he said.

Deddy claimed he had no issue with being reported to the House Ethics Council (MKD). He maintained he never mentioned journalists. ‘Go ahead, what is the basis for the assessment? Bring it to me. Did I mention journalists? No. Did I mention people? No. I said the atmosphere was like a circus. This is a meeting! Why has it become this? I am waiting, if you have recorded evidence of me saying “circus journalists”, show it to me, okay? If not, do not slander, or I will be the one reporting you,’ he said. ‘Go ahead (report to MKD). No problem. I have no issue. I did not say anything wrong. I saw the meeting had started, everyone was standing, and what I protested most was the staff and expert staff who had nothing to do with the meeting,’ he continued.

Previously, the Parliamentary Journalists Coordinator (KWP) protested Commission II member Deddy Sitorus’s remark about ‘like a circus’. The KWP considered the remark a form of insult to the journalistic profession. The incident began when journalists were monitoring the Commission II meeting in front of the meeting room at the Senayan building, Jakarta, on Thursday (30/7/2026). DPR Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad was seen approaching the meeting room. Journalists documented Dasco’s arrival as he walked towards the room. The door of the Commission II meeting room, which had been closed, suddenly opened and Dasco entered. Journalists immediately followed and rushed in. Shortly after, Deddy Sitorus’s voice was heard saying ‘like a circus’. Deddy was also heard saying ‘go upstairs’. The Parliamentary Journalists Coordinatoriat objected to Deddy Sitorus’s statement. KWP Deputy Chair for Administration Erwin Syahputra expressed objection to Deddy’s statement. He said the KWP gave Deddy Sitorus 1x24 hours to issue a public apology. ‘Today we feel insulted and demeaned by a DPR member during the coverage of the Commission II meeting, which was an open agenda allowed for coverage. However, the actions and words of Mr Deddy Sitorus, stating that we journalists are like a circus mob, we consider this an extraordinary humiliation,’ he said during a press conference.