SWSI Urges Hotman Paris to Apologise for Remarks Belittling Journalists

The Indonesian Senior Journalists Union (SWSI) is urging lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea to issue a public apology and clarification. This step is considered necessary as a form of respect for the journalistic profession following the use of words deemed belittling to journalists in a public forum.

SWSI Chairman Wahyu Muryadi, in a press release on Sunday (19/7), stressed that press freedom and the right of journalists to ask questions are protected by law. He reminded that journalistic work is a mandate from Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press. “Journalists work to fulfil the public’s right to obtain information,” Wahyu Muryadi was quoted as saying in the press release.

This strong reaction from SWSI was triggered by Hotman Paris’s statement during a press conference related to an alleged corruption case involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus), Febrie Adriansyah. On that occasion, Hotman made remarks that were considered inappropriate and degrading to the dignity of journalists.

SWSI assessed that the statement did not reflect the ethical communication standards expected of a professional in a public space. According to Muryadi, the handling of the case involving a public figure like Febrie Adriansyah has attracted widespread attention, meaning the credibility of law enforcement agencies and public trust are at stake.

Beyond highlighting communication ethics, SWSI expressed full support for the legal process concerning matters of public interest to proceed independently, transparently, and accountably. SWSI emphasised the importance of the principle of equality before the law without any intervention or criminalisation.

SWSI also called on advocates’ organisations to maintain the dignity of the profession as an officium nobile (noble profession) through strict enforcement of the code of ethics. Regarding Hotman’s actions, SWSI stated that it respects the mechanisms within the relevant advocates’ organisations to review the matter.

“SWSI emphasises that this statement of position is in no way related to the substance of the legal case being handled or the legal defence strategy, which is the right of every advocate,” Muryadi concluded.