Regretting Hotman Paris's Statement, Central PWI: No Reason to Belittle the Journalist Profession

The Central Board of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has conveyed its concern and regret over a statement made by Advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea to journalists while providing information to the media at the Attorney General’s Office. The statement was deemed to have belittled the profession of journalists 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.

Central PWI Chairman Akhmad Munir asserted 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.

“Everyone has the right to express an opinion, answer or refuse to answer journalists’ questions. However, there is no reason to belittle the dignity of the journalistic profession while they are carrying out their duties. Journalists work for the public interest and are protected by the Press Law,” said Akhmad Munir in an official statement received on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

According to him, 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 a defence must not be delivered in a manner that demeans other professions or intimidates journalists who are working.

“Central PWI is not entering into the substance of the legal case that is currently in the public spotlight. Our stance is purely to safeguard the honour 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 stressed.

Akhmad Munir stated that advocates and journalists are two professions that both have strategic roles in a state of law and democracy. Advocates perform the function of defending their clients’ rights, while journalists perform a social control function through the delivery of truthful, balanced, and responsible information to the public. Therefore, the two professions should mutually respect each other and uphold ethics in every interaction in the public sphere.

In connection with the incident, Central PWI has requested that Advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea provide a clarification to the public and convey an apology to the press if his statement created the impression of belittling 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.