Hotman Paris Hutapea.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Lawyer Hotman Paris is a controversial public figure with a flamboyant style, constant claims of superiority, and strong statements that often deviate from the perspectives of psychology, law, and communication ethics. However, he has now found himself in a bind.

His demeaning attitude toward journalists and his involvement in the President’s case has been deemed a violation of the ethics of the legal profession and public communication. Therefore, it is only natural that the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has issued a warning and reprimand.

Senior Legal Advisor, M. Jaya, S.H., M.H., M.M., also addressed this issue in his statement. Although both are lawyers, M. Jaya considers Hotman Paris behavior and patterns to be significantly offside. He frequently crosses the line of what a lawyer should do.

In a psychological analysis, M. Jaya stated, that Hotman’s style of boasting about his wealth, popularity, and close ties to political figures clearly demonstrates a tendency to build a self-image as “the greatest” to maintain social status.

Furthermore, the remarks “do you have a brain?” or “shut up” during a press conference at the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) clearly reflect an aggressive communication pattern that emphasizes dominance over rational argumentation. They are nothing short of ego defense mechanisms. Although he later publicly apologized, they still seem normative.

Hotman Paris Hutapea, luxury cars, and women.

Another aspect of Hotman Paris’s brashness is gimmicks and sensationalism. Born on October 20, 1959, he has a habit of appearing in luxury cars, glamorous parties, and making controversial comments. These are all image-building strategies that function as attention-seeking behavior.

Meanwhile, from a legal and ethical perspective, the legal profession, or officium nobile, should be considered a respectable profession that must uphold ethics.  So, Hotman’s statement demeaning journalists during a press conference at the AGO could be considered a sign of a violation of the advocate’s code of ethics, as his condescending attitude lacked professionalism.

Furthermore, the journalism profession is firmly protected by Press Law No. 40 of 1999. Obstructing or demeaning the work of the press can be considered a form of intimidation that could potentially violate the law.

Surprisingly, Hotman Paris remains confident. In his statement, he even dared to invoke the President’s name. Hotman even linked President Prabowo Subianto in his defense of his client, former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus), Febrie Adriansyah. He casually stated, that Febrie was the President’s favorite child. He then blamed the Kapolri, whom he deemed wrong for conducting the search without first reporting to the President.

This statement is actually quite absurd. If asked in return what legal basis the Kapolri must report to the President to conduct the search? What would Hotman answer? Then there’s the phrase Febrie is the President’s favorite child.  Does this mean the President’s favorite son is free or immune from the law even if proven guilty?

The Gerindra Party, as the President’s party, has already emphasized that this is not true. Hotman Paris’s actions are also considered to be misuse of the President’s name for personal gain.

Professional Image and Its Impact

Hotman Paris Hutapea with a beautiful young woman.

Many senior advocates consider Hotman Paris’s brash style completely unsuitable for the legal profession, which should be characterized by integrity, ethics, and rational argumentation. Instead, it exemplifies a failure to maintain ethical communication.

However, some members of the public view Hotman’s style as entertaining, thanks to his boldness in speaking. This is why he is often invited to appear on infotainment shows.

From a human perspective, Hotman Paris is an example of a public figure who relies on flamboyance and controversy to maintain popularity. However, from a psychological, legal, and ethical perspective, his behavior demonstrates narcissistic tendencies, a violation of professional ethics, and public communication that damages social relations.

Critics of him also emphasize that a lawyer’s success is not solely measured by popularity or wealth, but also by integrity, ethics, and respect for the law and society.

And referring to the psychological literature on narcissism and public persona, Hotman Paris is actually the embodiment of the figure described in Jean M. Twenge & W. Keith Campbell’s theory, “The Narcissism Epidemic.” This theory explains how public figures use flamboyance, claims of superiority, and controversy as a self-branding strategy.

But again, are Hotman Paris communication style and actions appropriate and in accordance with the standards of the legal profession, known as officium nobile? Let each individual judge.

Writer/Editor: Bembo