Togar Situmorang's Lawsuit Against Four Bali Media Companies Enters Mediation Stage
A civil lawsuit filed by lawyer Togar Situmorang against four media companies in Bali has commenced at the Denpasar District Court. However, the initial hearing on Wednesday (22/7/2026) did not proceed to the examination of the main case, as the parties were first directed to undergo mediation.
The proceedings were marked by the recusal of the presiding judge, I Wayan Suarta, who withdrew from the case due to a familial relationship with one of the defendants. “Because one of the defendants still has a kinship relationship with me, to ensure the integrity of the case examination, I will exercise my right to recuse myself from examining this case,” Suarta stated during the hearing. Despite this, the session continued with the appointment of a mediator while the administrative process for replacing the panel of judges is underway.
The appointment of the mediator was carried out in accordance with Supreme Court Regulation (PERMA) Number 1 of 2016 concerning Mediation Procedures in Court. Following discussions, the parties agreed to appoint Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima, a registered mediator at the Denpasar District Court, to lead the mediation process. The court explained that the mediation process lasts a maximum of 30 days and can be extended if there is a possibility of reaching a peace agreement. The parties were also asked to participate in the process in good faith.
If a peace agreement is not reached, the case will proceed to the examination of the main case through the e-Litigation mechanism with a new panel of judges. “If a peace agreement is reached, the case can be concluded through a deed of settlement or withdrawal of the lawsuit according to the wishes of the parties,” Suarta emphasised.
After the hearing, the defendants’ legal representative, I Made Ariel Suardana, stated that all powers of attorney from the defendants had been examined and verified by the panel of judges and declared to have met the requirements. He said the defendants formed a legal team consisting of 34 advocates who are members of the Bali Journalists Solidarity (SJB). Ariel also noted that his team had studied the power of attorney used by the plaintiff and identified several points, particularly concerning formal aspects, to be addressed in the statement of defence.
Beyond formal issues, the defendants also highlighted the lawsuit’s arguments related to the complaint handling process at the Press Council. Ariel argued that the document issued by the Press Council is a recommendation, not an ethical ruling declaring the media guilty. The defendants also stated they had exercised the right of reply upon receiving a formal notice. “The recommendation is directive or advisory in nature, not an ethical ruling. Its content urges the press to comply with journalistic standards and provide a right of reply. We have done that from the start. When the formal notice was received, the right of reply was already given. Only after that was a complaint filed with the Press Council,” Ariel added.
According to Ariel, the change in the panel of judges does not affect the mediation schedule. The first mediation session is scheduled for 4 August 2026. Another legal representative, I Nengah Jimat, stated that the defence team has prepared several points of exception should mediation fail to reach an agreement, including scrutiny of the validity of the plaintiff’s power of attorney.
Meanwhile, the plaintiff’s legal counsel, Judy Kunto, stated that the lawsuit was filed after exhausting press dispute resolution mechanisms, including using the right of correction, sending a formal notice, and filing a complaint with the Press Council since 2025. The lawsuit concerns reporting by six media outlets under the four companies, which the plaintiff claims was unbalanced and caused losses to Togar Situmorang. Regarding mediation, Judy indicated the plaintiff remains open to a peaceful resolution, though the details will be discussed with the client before the mediation process begins.