Calling Journalists Have No Brains, PWI Demanded Hotman Paris to Apologize
JAKARTA - The Central Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) urges Hotman Paris Hutapea to apologize for his statement that "journalists don't have brains" when giving information to the media regarding the alleged corruption and money laundering (TPPU) case that ensnared former Special Criminal Prosecutor (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah who went viral on social media (social media).
PWI Pusat Chairman Akhmad Munir assessed that the statement had demeaned the dignity of the profession of journalists who were carrying out journalistic duties.
According to him, everyone has the right to answer or refuse a journalist's question. However, this cannot be used as an excuse to harass the journalist profession.
"Everyone has the right to express their opinion, answer or refuse to answer a journalist's question. However, there is no reason to degrade the dignity of the profession of journalists who are carrying out journalistic duties. Journalists work for the public interest and are protected by the Press Law," said Akhmad Munir in a written statement, Sunday, July 19.
Munir emphasized that PWI understands the position of advocates who are obliged to defend their clients in legal proceedings. However, he reminded that the defense is carried out while still respecting other professions, including journalists.
"PWI Pusat is not entering the substance of the legal case that is of public concern. Our attitude is purely to maintain the dignity of the profession of journalists and ensure that every person in the press can carry out journalistic duties freely, professionally, and with dignity without verbal intimidation from anyone," he said.
Therefore, the PWI Center asked Hotman Paris to apologize publicly. This step is considered important to maintain good relations between the professions of lawyers and journalists and strengthen a healthy democratic climate.
"We do not question the right of every lawyer to defend his client. However, the defense must still respect other professions. Criticism of the journalist's questions is normal, but the delivery must be polite, professional, and not degrade the dignity of the press," he said.
In addition to asking for clarification from Hotman Paris, PWI also reminded all advocates and lawyers to always maintain communication ethics when dealing with the media.
"We hope that this incident will be a lesson for all of us so that the relationship between the press and all sources remains based on mutual respect and upholding ethics," he concluded.