Following Statements on Accelerating Elections, Budi Arie Reported to Criminal Investigation Division Despite Apology
The controversy surrounding statements made by the Chairman of DPP Projo, Budi Arie Setiadi, regarding the possibility of accelerated political dynamics before the 2029 General Election, is leading to long-term consequences. Prabowo volunteers, through the Gerakan Cinta Prabowo movement, officially reported Budi Arie to the Polri Criminal Investigation Division (Bareskrim) in Jakarta on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
Legal counsel for Gerakan Cinta Prabowo, Doni Hendrasanto, stated that the report has been received by Bareskrim Polri. The complaint pertains to a Projo event held at a restaurant.
“We have filed a public complaint at Bareskrim, which was received this afternoon. The report relates to a Projo event at a restaurant,” said Doni Hendrasanto on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
Doni noted that the report includes Article 193 in conjunction with Article 246 of the Criminal Code (KUHP). These articles relate to alleged criminal acts of incitement to treason to overthrow the government.
“What we are reporting is an alleged attempt to commit treason and incitement. In accordance with our report, we are citing Article 193 in conjunction with Article 246 of the KUHP. It has been well-received by the investigators from the Directorate of General Crimes at Bareskrim,” he said.
Although the report has been accepted, Doni acknowledged that it currently holds the status of a public complaint (dumas). He noted that further synchronisation is required to determine the appropriate application of the legal articles.
“It is a public complaint (dumas). There are several elements that must be synchronised to find the correct legal chemistry for the application of the articles. Regardless of the terminology, it has been officially received,” he added.
Budi Arie previously came under public scrutiny after a video of him went viral on social media. In the video, Budi, who appeared to be sitting beside the seventh President, Joko Widodo, expressed the possibility of political momentum and elections occurring sooner than 2029.
Subsequently, Budi Arie issued a public apology. He admitted that his statements had caused various speculations and misinterpretations, clarifying that his remarks were merely his own personal analysis and opinion.
“I, Budi Arie Setiadi, apologise to all parties who were displeased or uncomfortable with my statements,” Budi said in a video recording received in Jakarta on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Furthermore, he stated that his remarks had no connection to Jokowi. He also called upon all parties to maintain the unity and integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.