Press council condemns lawyer Hotman Paris's unprofessional response to journalists

Indonesia's Forum Pemred, an organization representing press leaders, has strongly condemned lawyer Hotman Paris for his unprofessional conduct towards journalists. The forum expressed dismay over Paris's attitude and responses during a press conference held on Friday (July 17) concerning his client, former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah.

Retno Pinasti, the Chair of Forum Pemred, stated that Hotman Paris's choice of words and demeanor were highly unprofessional and disrespectful to journalists performing their duties. "Hotman Paris Hutapea's choice of words and his way of responding to journalists' questions were very unprofessional and demeaned the journalism profession that is working to carry out the mandate of Law No. 40 of 1999 on Press," Pinasti said in a written statement.

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Hotman Paris Hutapea's choice of words and his way of responding to journalists' questions were very unprofessional and demeaned the journalism profession that is working to carry out the mandate of Law No. 40 of 1999 on Press.

Pinasti reminded that questioning is a fundamental aspect of journalistic work, allowing reporters to confirm information and gather details as part of a professional and legally protected process. While sources have the right not to answer, Paris's alleged use of insults and arrogant behavior, such as asking "Do you have a brain?", was deemed inappropriate and failed to address the substance of the questions.

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It is very inappropriate if a source responds to journalists' questions by demeaning them, both in word choice, such as 'do you have a brain,' and in arrogant attitude that does not answer the substance of the question at all.

The Forum Pemred highlighted that journalistic activities in Indonesia are protected under Law No. 40 of 1999. Article 8 of this law guarantees legal protection for journalists, including the right to refuse to answer, protection from censorship, and freedom from violence and intimidation. Intimidating responses, whether verbal or non-verbal, violate this law and undermine press freedom.

The organization urged all parties to uphold press freedom by respecting each other's professions and maintaining professional ethics. Forum Pemred affirmed its commitment to the safety and dignity of journalists, vowing to oppose those who intentionally harass the profession or obstruct journalistic work.

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Intimidating responses to journalists' questions, whether verbal or non-verbal, are contrary to Law No. 40 of 1999 on Press and the spirit of press freedom.