JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) formally withdrew its police report against prominent lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Tuesday night, July 28.

PWI took the step after Hotman and PWI Chairman Akhmad Munir reached a settlement during mediation. Earlier that day, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad facilitated the mediation.

Anrico Pasaribu, PWI’s head of legal defense and development, said the organization withdrew the complaint after its leadership concluded that Hotman had apologized sincerely. He also demonstrated genuine faith.

“After considering that there had already been an apology before, and this morning it was reiterated, PWI believes we can accept that apology sincerely,” Anrico said outside the police criminal investigation building.

He said PWI’s chairman considered Hotman’s earlier apology. Anrico looked at Hotman’s decision to repeat it during the mediation before accepting it sincerely.

The dispute began during a July 17 press conference at the Attorney General’s Office. A journalist asked whether Hotman’s then-client, former assistant attorney general for special crimes Febrie Adriansyah, considered himself the victim of criminalization.

According to the Dewan Pers, Hotman responded: “What do you think? Do you have a brain?”

Dewan Persl criticized the remark as demeaning to journalists. Hotman subsequently apologized publicly, but PWI filed police report No. LP/B/5291/VII/2026/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya on July 20 for alleged insults to the profession. The complaint cited Article 242 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code.

Anrico said PWI pursued the settlement through restorative justice, which emphasizes repairing harm and reaching an agreement between the parties.

Investigators retain responsibility for determining the formal status of the case. PWI has withdrawn its complaint and considers its dispute with Hotman resolved. Police must complete the required administrative and legal process.

PWI’s withdrawal also relates only to its report. Police previously said they had received a separate complaint from the Indonesian Online Independent Media organization (MIO). Investigators had questioned 10 witnesses in connection with the two reports as of July 24.

Munir said PWI’s legal action achieved its main objective: restoring respect for journalism and emphasizing the press’s role as a democratic pillar. PWI chose reconciliation after accepting Hotman’s renewed apology.