Parliamentary Journalists Condemn Politician's 'Brainless' Remark to Reporter

A parliamentary journalist group in Indonesia has condemned Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party Benny K. Harman for remarks they say demeaned the profession. The Koordinatoriat Wartawan Parlemen (KWP) expressed strong disapproval of Harman's comments, which were made after a journalist inquired about the absence of former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) from a state event.

Harman reportedly responded aggressively to a journalist who asked again about SBY's attendance on August 17, despite having already explained that SBY was undergoing medical checks in the United States until the end of August. "Hey, do you have a brain? I explained it like that. Right? If he's having check-ups there until the end of the month, why are you still asking? Many journalists are strange these days," Harman was quoted as saying.

Erwin Siregar, the deputy head of KWP, called the statement regrettable and demeaning. He emphasized that journalists' questions, including follow-up confirmations, are part of their journalistic duty. "It could have been answered politely, as the media asked politely. If the media asks repeatedly, it is necessary for confirmation," Siregar stated.

The KWP is demanding a personal apology from Harman to the journalist involved and to the public. They also urged all public officials and politicians to respect journalistic work and maintain healthy communication with the press. "If there is no apology, we will report this matter to the House of Representatives' ethics council (MKD)," Siregar added.

Harman has since issued an apology, stating that journalists should not ask again when an answer is clear. "So I apologize if I felt offended, but there's no bigger issue than that, so it's not the main issue," he said.