Press Council Regrets Hotman Paris's Remarks Belittling Journalists: Should Be Responded to More Civilly
Jakarta, VIVA – The Press Council has gathered information regarding an incident deemed demeaning to the journalism profession during a press conference held by lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea at the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) building at the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) in Jakarta on Friday, 17 July 2026.
The incident occurred after Hotman Paris accompanied his client, Febrie Adriansyah, who was being questioned as a suspect in an alleged corruption and money laundering case involving PT Asabri.
During the question-and-answer session, a journalist asked whether Febrie Adriansyah, a former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, felt he was being criminalised in the case. In response, Hotman Paris replied: “What do you think? Do you even have a brain?”
In response to the incident, the Press Council issued an official statement on Monday, 20 July 2026. Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat conveyed three points. First, the Press Council regretted the manner in which Hotman Paris answered the journalist’s question, as it was considered demeaning.
“Disagreement with or displeasure at a journalist’s question should be addressed in a more rational and civilised manner,” said Komaruddin.
Second, the Press Council called on all parties to respect journalists carrying out their journalistic duties. According to Komaruddin, questions posed by journalists form part of the process of seeking information and obtaining statements from sources, as protected under Article 4 paragraph (3) of Law Number 40 of 1999 on the Press.
He added that journalistic work is also part of the fulfilment of the press’s function as regulated in Article 6 of the Press Law, which includes fulfilling the public’s right to information, upholding democratic values, the rule of law and human rights, developing public opinion based on accurate information, carrying out oversight and criticism in the public interest, and fighting for justice and truth.
Third, the Press Council reminded all journalists to continue to adhere to the Press Law and the Journalistic Code of Ethics in carrying out their profession.
Earlier, Hotman officially became legal counsel for Febrie Adriansyah on Friday, 17 July 2026. At that time, Febrie was undergoing questioning after his case was transferred from the National Police’s Corruption and Other Specific Crimes Eradication Corps (Kortastipidkor) to the Attorney General’s Office.
After the questioning, Hotman Paris held a press conference and answered a number of questions from journalists regarding the case involving his client. One question concerning the alleged criminalisation of Febrie was answered with a statement that subsequently drew public scrutiny.