Head of Bakom Qodari: If I Were a Car, I'm the Gas Type

M. Qodari has revealed the reasons behind President Prabowo Subianto’s appointment of him as the new Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom). He suspects that Prabowo wishes to enhance the role and duties of Bakom moving forward. “From what I’ve heard and observed, and after analysing, it’s likely that the role and tasks of Bakom are to be increased in volume and intensity,” Qodari said during Inside Story with Diana Valencia on Tuesday night (28/4). Qodari likened himself to a car, stating that he is the ‘gas’ type. “If I were a car, I’m the gas type, not the brake type,” he said. In a separate instance, Qodari mentioned that several observers consider the government to be in a position ready for ‘war’ following his appointment and that of Hasan Nasbi as a special presidential advisor. Qodari stated that Bakom will be more aggressive in communicating government policies going forward. He emphasised that this step is crucial given the many new government programmes, which require a new paradigm as well. “They say [the observers] these two are attacker types. Wow, this is inviting trouble. So I immediately commented like this: do you want them to keep attacking without anyone responding? That’s it. It’s too easy, sorry,” Qodari said at the handover ceremony with Angga Raka Prabowo at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (28/4). Qodari was appointed as Head of Bakom, replacing Angga Raka Prabowo. Before becoming Head of Bakom, Qodari was the Head of the Presidential Staff Office. Now, the position he left is filled by retired General Dudung Abdurachman, former KSAD. This position as Head of Bakom is the third role Qodari has held under Prabowo’s leadership as President of Indonesia since 20 October 2024. Before being appointed as Head of KSP, Qodari was the Deputy Head of KSP, assisting A. M. Putranto, who was the Head of KSP at the time.