Budi Arie Clarifies 'Early Election' Statement Was Personal Analysis

Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi has stressed that his statement regarding the acceleration of the election was a personal analysis. The statement was also not a political intention to change the election schedule.

“If it is an analysis, it goes like this: there is a normal possibility of 2029, but why is there an analysis of it being sooner? There is no need to draw conclusions; let time prove it. I am not retracting my statement, I am only saying that we can improve things,” said Budi Arie during a press conference on Friday, 28 August 2026.

Budi Arie said that political analysis differs from political will or desire.

According to him, his statement arose from observing societal dynamics, including the development of the student movement and various aspirations emerging in the public sphere.

“Political will, political desire, and political analysis are two different things,” Budi Arie stated.

He said that discussions about the possibility of changing the election schedule must be placed within the corridor of democracy and the constitution. He stressed that he did not intend to encourage any party to accelerate the election.

“I am not trying to encourage or invite anyone. I am only saying that if this dynamic exists, it must be managed properly. The societal dynamics that are occurring must be managed well,” he said.

According to him, Indonesia has experience of political change in the past that should serve as a lesson in reading the current political dynamics.

“As for whether the election is accelerated or held according to schedule, it is better to follow the schedule. And we do agree with the foundation of our reform that elections are held every five years,” said Budi Arie.

He reminded that the experience of political change from 1997 to 1999 should be taken into consideration so that the current political dynamics are handled carefully.

“But I am only reminding all of my friends that we have had an experience, right? The years 1997 to 1999, so we must be vigilant and must anticipate this carefully and calmly,” he said.

Budi Arie emphasised the importance of maintaining the quality of democracy while ensuring that all political dynamics are resolved based on constitutional rules.

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