PWI Central Honor Board dismisses Firdaus from membership

The Central Honor Board of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has issued a final and binding decision to fully dismiss Firdaus from its membership. The disciplinary action, formalized through Decree Number 98/X/DK/PWI-P/SK-SR/2026, was announced by Board Chairman Atal S. Depari during a hybrid meeting with regional PWI leaders.

The board cited violations of the organization's Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART), the Journalistic Code of Ethics, the Journalist Code of Conduct, and organizational regulations regarding the administration of National Press Day (HPN). Atal S. Depari emphasized that the sanction was based on Firdaus's actions as a PWI member and member of the PWI Central Advisory Board, rather than his role as Chairman of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (SMSI).

Former PWI North Sulawesi Chairman Voucke Lontaan has expressed concern regarding the decision, suggesting that the matter should have been resolved through dialogue and clarification (tabayun) first. Lontaan noted that the controversial statements were made by Firdaus in his capacity as Chairman of SMSI when proposing that SMSI take responsibility for National Press Day 2027, and questioned whether the organizational regulations were applied retroactively.