Press Council Chair Regrets Hotman Paris's Dismissive Remarks to Journalists
Press Council Chair Komaruddin Hidayat has expressed deep regret over the attitude of advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea, which was deemed to be a demeaning response when answering a journalist’s question. Komaruddin stressed that every source should prioritise ethics when interacting with media personnel.
“Disagreement or displeasure with a question from a journalist should be responded to in a more rational and ethical manner,” Komaruddin said in a statement on Monday (20/7).
He emphasised that the profession of journalism in carrying out its duties is protected by law. According to him, a journalist’s act of asking questions is an effort to gather information and hear the source’s version of an event. This is part of the journalistic process guaranteed by Article 4 paragraph (3) of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press.
Furthermore, Komaruddin asked all parties to respect the role of journalists. He reminded that journalistic work is a mandate from Article 6 of the Press Law, which includes fulfilling the public’s right to know and upholding democratic values.
In a legal context, Article 9 of the Press Law also outlines the press’s responsibility to encourage the realisation of the rule of law and human rights, respect diversity, and develop public opinion based on accurate, precise, and correct information. The press also has a function to supervise, criticise, correct, and advise on matters relating to the public interest in the pursuit of justice.
On the other hand, the Press Council Chair also sent a message to media practitioners to maintain professionalism in the field.
“We also remind journalists to always comply with and be guided by the Press Law and the Journalistic Code of Ethics in carrying out their profession,” concluded Komaruddin.
Previously, prominent advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea officially apologised to all members of the press and journalist professional organisations, including the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). This step was taken in response to criticism and appeals from press organisations regarding his statement, which was considered demeaning to the journalism profession.
The incident occurred during a press conference related to the case of former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah. Hotman admitted that he made an inappropriate statement due to being carried away by the emotional atmosphere on the ground.
Through an official statement on Monday (20/7/2026), Hotman clarified that the remark was a spontaneous reaction to the situation at the time. Nevertheless, he realised that it had hurt the feelings of journalists.
“I hereby express my deepest apologies for my statement during the press conference on the former Jampidsus case, where I said, ‘do you even have a brain?’. Regardless of the actual facts of the incident, as emotions were running high at the time, I still apologise to the journalist concerned and to journalist organisations throughout Indonesia,” said Hotman.