Many interpret this article as targeting the press, effectively restricting the media's ability to report or broadcast trial sessions live as they unfold.

Live reporting from inside courtrooms has long been a common practice in Indonesia, particularly among broadcast media. This is especially true during high-profile trials, such as the 2009 murder trial of former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) head Antasari Azhar, the 2016 "cyanide coffee" trial of Jessica Wongso and the 2017 blasphemy trial of former Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.

During the hearings on the draft bill, opposing views were presented.

Veteran lawyer Juniver Girsang, who was involved in the Antasari Azhar trial, spoke in support of the proposed article. He argued that live broadcasts could influence the testimonies of witnesses who might be exposed to others’ statements during the trial. This, he claimed, could compromise the integrity of the proceedings, as witnesses may alter their accounts after viewing live coverage.

On the other hand, a representative of the Indonesia Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI Indonesia), opposed the article, stating that it contradicts the 1999 Press Law, which guarantees press freedom, including the protection of journalistic work from censorship or undue restrictions. He countered the earlier argument by noting that the court could just restrict access to trial sessions involving witness testimonies.

In a post on its official Instagram account, AJI Indonesia noted that during informal discussions, Commission III chair Habiburokhman had promised to remove the article from the draft bill.