SWSI Demands Apology from Hotman Paris for Belittling Journalists
The Indonesian Senior Journalists Union (SWSI) has demanded that lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea offer a public apology and clarification for making disparaging remarks about the journalistic profession during a public forum. In a press statement signed by SWSI Chairman Wahyu Muryadi in Jakarta on Sunday, the union stressed that press freedom and the right of journalists to ask questions are integral parts of the implementation of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. “Journalists work to fulfil the public’s right to information,” Muryadi stated.
SWSI was responding to comments made by Hotman during a press conference related to an alleged corruption case involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah. During the event, Hotman made belittling remarks, including asking journalists, “Do you have a brain?”
Muryadi noted that the handling of the case involving Febrie Adriansyah has attracted widespread public attention. He stated that the matter is no longer solely about an individual undergoing a legal process, but also concerns the credibility of law enforcement institutions and the consistency of applying the principle of equality before the law. SWSI expressed its full support for the legal process to be conducted independently, professionally, transparently, and accountably, free from any form of intervention, pressure, conflict of interest, or criminalisation.
Furthermore, SWSI reminded all parties that the entire legal process must uphold the presumption of innocence, be based on valid evidence, and follow proper legal procedures to ensure equality before the law for every citizen. The union also called on all advocate organisations to maintain the honour of the profession as an officium nobile by enforcing their respective codes of ethics. SWSI clarified that its statement of position is entirely unrelated to the substance of the ongoing legal case or the defence strategy, which remains the right of every advocate.