PWI Chairman Demands Hotman Paris Apologise to Journalists

The Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has criticised Hotman Paris’s attitude towards journalists during a press conference at the Attorney General’s Office on Friday, 17 July 2026. PWI Chairman Akhmad Munir assessed that the prominent lawyer had demeaned the journalistic profession. “The statement is considered to have belittled the profession of journalists who were carrying out their journalistic duties and has the potential to undermine the spirit of press freedom guaranteed by Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press,” he said in an official statement received on Sunday, 19 July 2026. He emphasised that asking questions to sources is an inseparable part of journalistic duties in fulfilling the public’s right to obtain information. Therefore, every source, including advocates, has the right to answer or refuse to answer questions, but remains obliged to maintain communication ethics and respect the journalistic profession. Akhmad also stated that the Central PWI does not dispute the legal defence provided by an advocate for their client, as this is a right guaranteed by law. However, such defence must not be delivered in a manner that demeans other professions or intimidates working journalists. “The Central PWI is not entering into the substance of the legal case that is currently of public concern. Our stance is purely to safeguard the dignity of the journalistic profession and ensure that every press member can carry out their journalistic duties freely, professionally, and with dignity without verbal intimidation from anyone,” he said. In connection with the incident, the Central PWI has requested that Advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea provide a clarification to the public and convey an apology to press members if his statement created the impression of demeaning the dignity of journalists carrying out their journalistic duties. This step is considered important to maintain good relations between the advocate and journalist professions and to build a healthy democratic climate. “We do not dispute the right of every advocate to defend their client. However, that defence must still respect other professions. Criticism of journalists’ questions is reasonable, but its delivery must be done politely, professionally, and without demeaning the dignity of press members,” said Akhmad Munir. The Central PWI also reminded all Indonesian journalists to continue carrying out their duties professionally, independently, accurately, fairly, and guided by the Journalistic Code of Ethics. The organisation will continue to carry out its function of defending and protecting every journalist who experiences intimidation, harassment, threats, or other actions that hinder the execution of journalistic work.