PWI Regrets Deddy PDIP's 'Like a Circus' Remark: In Any Context, It Is Inappropriate
The Central Board of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has expressed regret over a statement made by member of House Commission II, Deddy Sitorus, who used the phrase ‘like a circus’ during a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs in Senayan, which was being covered by journalists. The PWI considers the use of such diction inappropriate and unbecoming, regardless of the context.
Head of the Central PWI’s Legal Defence and Development Division, Anrico Pasaribu, stated that journalists present in the House environment were carrying out journalistic duties. He emphasised that the presence of journalists performing their duties is protected by law.
‘I regret if there was indeed a statement referring to the presence of journalists carrying out their journalistic duties as ’like a circus’. Whatever the context, such diction is inappropriate for a public official to utter because it can be interpreted as demeaning the journalistic profession,’ Anrico said in a written statement on Thursday (30/7/2026).
Anrico assessed that Deddy Sitorus of the PDIP should respect journalistic working methods. He also expressed hope that public officials would maintain proper communication with members of the press.
‘Journalists are present in the House meeting room to carry out the function of the press as guaranteed by the Press Law, namely fulfilling the public’s right to obtain information. Therefore, every member of the House should respect journalistic work and maintain ethics in communicating with members of the press,’ he said.
Furthermore, Anrico stated that Central PWI hopes the polemic can be resolved through the proper mechanism. He urged officials to be careful when making public statements.
‘Central PWI hopes this issue can be resolved through the proper mechanism, accompanied by clarification if necessary. Going forward, we hope all public officials will be wiser in choosing their words so as not to create an impression of demeaning the journalistic profession or disrupting the good partnership between the press and state institutions,’ he said.
Deddy Yevri Sitorus denied accusations that he had insulted the journalistic profession during the Commission II meeting. Deddy said his remark about ‘like a circus’ was not directed at journalists.
‘Responding to the statement from the KWP Coordinator regarding the accusation that I insulted the journalistic profession, I feel the need to provide clarification,’ Deddy told reporters on Thursday (30/7/2026).
The following are six points of Deddy’s statement regarding the ‘like a circus’ remark:
I respect the journalistic profession and its role as one of the important pillars of democracy. Therefore, I deeply regret the emergence of accusations that I insulted the journalistic profession, especially since the accusation was conveyed to the public without prior confirmation or clarification to me. The accusation does not match what I actually said.
The statement I made during the meeting was: ‘Chairman, please bring the room to order, there are many people standing here, even though there is a balcony room upstairs. It’s like a circus in here.’ This sentence clearly refers to the situation in the meeting room, which at that time was filled with people crowding and standing in the middle of the room while the meeting was in progress. The statement was not directed at journalists or any specific group or individual. This can be proven by the video recording of the meeting and the testimony of the meeting participants who were present.
I did not prevent journalists from covering the event. The working meeting at Commission II with the government is open and may be attended by journalists and the public.
I hope that any information conveyed to the public is based on verified facts and preceded by an effort to confirm with the concerned party so as not to cause misunderstandings.
If there is indeed an error in the delivery of information regarding this incident, I hope it can be corrected to the public as a form of shared responsibility in maintaining the accuracy of information.
I also wish to convey that I appreciate journalistic work and hope the good relationship between members of the House of Representatives and the press, as one of the pillars of democracy, is always maintained. Differences of opinion or misunderstandings should be resolved through good communication, while upholding ethics, professionalism, and journalistic principles that prioritise accuracy, verification, and balance.
Deddy stated he is ready to provide clarification through the Press Council if there are still doubts regarding his statement. However, he stressed that he never intended to insult journalists.
‘If there are doubts about the information I have conveyed, I declare my readiness to provide clarification through the Press Council. However, I emphasise that there was never any intention or words from me that could be assumed as a form of demeaning or insulting the journalistic profession,’ he said.