Chairman of the Central PWI, Akhamd Munir.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) expressed its concern and regret over the statement made by Advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea to journalists while giving a statement to the media at the Attorney General’s Office (NGO). The statement is considered to demean journalists who are carrying out their journalistic duties and has the potential to harm the spirit of press freedom guaranteed by Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press.

The Chairman of Central PWI, Akhmad Munir emphasized, that questioning sources is an integral part of journalistic duties to fulfill the public’s right to information. Therefore, every source, including advocates, has the right to answer or refuse to answer questions. However, they remain obligated to maintain ethical communication and respect the journalistic profession.

“Everyone has the right to express their opinion, answer or refuse to answer journalists’ questions. However, there is no reason to demean the dignity of journalists while carrying out their journalistic duties. Journalists work in the public interest and are protected by the Press Law,” said Akhmad Munir in Jakarta on Saturday, July 18, 2026 (July 18, 2026).

He emphasized, that the Central PWI doesn’t question the legal defense provided by an advocate for their client, as this is a right guaranteed by law. However, such defense cannot be delivered in a manner that demeans other professions or intimidates journalists while working.

“The Central PWI is not delving into the substance of legal cases currently in the public eye. Our stance is purely to uphold the dignity of the journalistic profession and ensure that every member of the press can carry out their journalistic duties freely, professionally, and with dignity without verbal intimidation from anyone,” he stressed.

Akhmad Munir also stated, that advocates and journalists are two professions that both play strategic roles in a state governed by the rule of law and a democracy.  Advocates defend their clients’ rights, while journalists exercise social control by conveying accurate, balanced, and responsible information to the public. Therefore, both professions should respect each other and maintain ethics in every interaction in the public sphere.

In connection with this incident, the Central PWI has requested that Advocate Hotman Paris Hutapea immediately provide a clarification to the public and apologize to the press, as his statement appeared to demean the dignity of journalists performing their duties. This step is considered crucial for maintaining good relations between the legal profession and journalists and fostering a healthy democratic climate.

“We do not question the right of every advocate to defend their clients. However, such defense must remain respectful of other professions. Criticism of journalists’ questions is natural. However, it must be delivered politely and professionally, and must not demean the dignity of journalists,” said Akhmad Munir.

The Central PWI also reminded all Indonesian journalists to continue carrying out their duties professionally, independently, accurately, and balancedly, guided by the Journalistic Code of Ethics.  The organization will continue to defend and protect any journalist who experiences intimidation, harassment, threats, or other actions that hinder the performance of their journalistic work.

Furthermore, the Central PWI also calls on all professional organizations, law enforcement officers, public officials, advocates, and all sources to work together to build a culture of mutually respectful communication. Differences of opinion are part of democracy. However, respect for the journalistic profession is a crucial requirement for maintaining press freedom and the public’s right to information.

“A free press is not born of fear, but rather from the assurance that journalists can work professionally without intimidation. Respecting journalists means respecting the public’s right to information. We hope this incident serves as a shared lesson so that the relationship between journalists and all sources remains based on mutual respect and upholding ethics,” explained Akhmad Munir.

The Central PWI, he continued, will continue to stand at the forefront of defending press freedom. This also serves to uphold the honor of the journalistic profession and ensure that every member of the press can carry out their journalistic duties without pressure, intimidation, or treatment that demeans the profession.

Writer/Editor: Bembo