Budi Arie Clarifies Viral Video on Early Election

Budi Arie Setiadi, chairman of the pro-Jokowi volunteer organisation Projo, has issued a clarification regarding a viral video in which he raised the issue of an early election during a recent volunteer forum.

In his statement, Budi Arie apologised to those who took offence at his analysis in the video.

“I, Budi Arie Setiadi, apologise to those who were displeased and uncomfortable with my statement,” Budi Arie said in a video statement on Wednesday (26/8).

He stressed that the analysis and statements he made in the circulating video were his personal responsibility. According to him, the remarks had no connection to Indonesia’s seventh president, Jokowi, who was also present at the event.

“Secondly, the statement has no connection whatsoever with Mr Joko Widodo,” Budi Arie said.

Budi Arie also said he was ready to take responsibility and accept all consequences for his analysis and statements.

“I am ready to take responsibility and accept all consequences for my analysis and statements,” he said.

Previously, in a circulating video, Budi Arie spoke about the possibility of political momentum and the election taking place sooner than scheduled. The video went viral on social media.

In the recording, Budi appeared to be at a forum, seated next to Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

“Earlier I whispered to Mr Jokowi, ‘Sir, my instinct says this could happen sooner than 2029.’ Do we want that? We may not necessarily want it,” Budi Arie said.

“We are still saying, ‘Oh, this is the 2029 election, the 2029 election.’ What if an acceleration happens? Are we ready or not?” he added.