Budi Arie clarifies 2029 election remarks were not Jokowi's stance

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi has stressed that his statement regarding the possibility of accelerating the 2029 general election, delivered during an event with Joko Widodo, was not the stance of the former president.

Budi Arie made the remarks at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, explaining that his statement was made during an independence gathering with Indonesia’s 7th president Joko Widodo and volunteers.

“We are aware that there are parties who want to pit Mr Prabowo and Mr Jokowi against each other. Therefore, I have already said that the statement was my personal view, not the opinion or stance of Mr Jokowi. Mr Jokowi was merely listening,” said Budi Arie.

He said Jokowi’s presence nearby when he expressed his views on the possibility of accelerating the election did not mean the statement represented Jokowi’s position.

According to Budi Arie, his statement drew attention after a recording of the conversation circulated and went viral. He said he did not know who recorded the conversation.

“I also did not design the recording. I also do not know who recorded it initially. I never ordered anyone to record it. Suddenly my statement went viral. I have no tendency to make myself go viral with that statement,” he said.

According to him, Jokowi also conveyed the condition of the Indonesian economy, including economic growth of around 5 percent and inflation of 3.2 percent.

“Mr Jokowi conveyed to all of us that the situation remains fine. The economy is still growing at 5 percent, inflation is still under control at 3.2 percent, the economic condition of the public is still good. Mr Jokowi actually explained the situation to us. All our concerns were answered by Mr Jokowi,” he said.

He reiterated that the various views expressed at the meeting could not be interpreted as Jokowi’s stance, including his statement about the possibility of accelerating the election.

“All the friends who attended the meeting, we conveyed the situation as it is. That does not mean it is Mr Jokowi’s stance. It must be viewed properly, because Mr Jokowi is a leader who is willing to listen to everyone,” he said.

He stressed that political dynamics must be managed while remaining guided by democracy and the constitution.

“The main thing is democracy and the constitution. We follow the rules. We obey the rules,” said Budi Arie.