PRIME NEWS POST

The INDONESIAN, (Jakarta)– Senior journalist, former Surabaya Post reporter, media consultant, political communication analyst, and Chairman of the Central Presidium of Barisan Pembaharuan 08 (PP-BP), Syafrudin Budiman, has expressed deep concern over statements made by lawyer Hotman Paris during a press conference defending former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah.

On Friday (17/7/2026), at the Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta, Hotman Paris was addressing reporters regarding the case when he publicly asked one journalist: “Do you even have a brain?” in response to questions about alleged criminalization surrounding the case.

Syafrudin noted that remarks appearing to belittle the journalistic profession deserve scrutiny, as they risk sparking public controversy and eroding public trust. He emphasized that journalists are one of the pillars of democracy, exercising social oversight as explicitly guaranteed under Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press.

“Every citizen has the right to legal defense, and every advocate has the duty to represent their client professionally. But this defense must not come at the cost of demeaning other professions or spinning narratives that sway public opinion and obstruct legal proceedings,” Syafrudin said in Jakarta on Monday.

“The legal profession is noble—but nobility demands mutual respect. Journalism is equally noble, protected by law, and vital to upholding transparency and accountability in public life,” he added.

While advocates are fully entitled to represent suspects, defendants, and clients, such advocacy must remain within professional ethics and must not undermine the dignity of other professions.

“No one should claim absolute righteousness in defending a client. Let the legal process unfold according to established rules. All parties must respect law enforcement and avoid shaping narratives that threaten judicial independence,” he stressed.

Read : MAI Central Board Structure: ‘Kings, Sultans, and Traditional Leaders Unite in the Majelis Adat Indonesia’

Barisan Pembaharuan 08 calls on Hotman Paris to issue a public clarification and apology within 24 hours if his remarks are perceived as demeaning to journalists and causing public unrest. Failing this, Syafrudin stated the organization will consider legal action under applicable laws.

He further urged the Indonesian National Police, Attorney General’s Office, Supreme Court, Judicial Commission, and all law enforcement bodies to uphold independence, integrity, and professionalism—ensuring every legal process is fair, transparent, accountable, and free from interference.

All allegations, including those involving Febrie Adriansyah, must be resolved based on valid evidence and legal procedure. “Law enforcement must seek material truth, not merely manufacture public opinion,” Syafrudin said.

“Equality before the law must be our foundation. Every citizen stands equal in the eyes of the law—no special treatment, no discrimination. Law enforcement must set the highest standard of integrity; if that integrity falters, so too does public trust in justice.”

He concluded by calling on all sectors—journalists, legal associations, academics, and civil society—to jointly uphold a legal system that is professional, transparent, independent, fair, and impartial, so that the rule of law may prevail in Indonesia.

About the Speaker
Syafrudin Budiman is a senior journalist, former reporter for Surabaya Post, media consultant, political communication analyst, and Chairman of the Central Presidium of Barisan Pembaharuan 08. Throughout his career in journalism, public communications, and civil society, he has advocated for press freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and clean, accountable governance.