Objections Raised to Allegations that Event Organisers are the Safest Haven for Corruption
Jakarta – The controversy surrounding former official Said Didu’s remarks on government budgets for Event Organisers (EOs) has escalated. Backstagers Indonesia Event Management Association has officially raised objections, describing the allegations as disinformation that unfairly targets millions of workers in the events industry.
The organisation, which represents over 278,000 certified professional event workers and millions of informal labourers, views the statement made on a private television programme as damaging to industry participants, from stage crews to UMKM operators.
Backstagers Indonesia Chairman, Andro Rohmana Putra, stressed that the narrative portraying EOs as the “safest place for corruption” is unfounded and does not reflect the real situation on the ground.
“Labelling EOs as a corruption hub when this industry is only just starting to recover after two years of dormancy due to the pandemic is an empathetic narrative. Today, EO players are surviving amid storms of budget cuts and government efficiencies. We’re doing well just to stay afloat, let alone being accused of swallowing tens of trillions in state funds,” he said on Thursday, 2 April 2026.
According to Backstagers, the events industry remains in a battered state. The COVID-19 pandemic nearly paralysed the sector entirely during 2020–2022. As it began to revive in 2023–2024 through various major events, a new blow arrived in 2025 due to government budget efficiency policies that slashed numerous projects.
Moreover, they argue that the events industry is not wasteful but an economic driver. Data they reference shows the sector makes a significant contribution to GDP and has multiplier effects for UMKM players and daily casual workers.
However, the facts on the ground are described as concerning. In many regional government activities, budget allocations for event labour are said to be very minimal, even nearly zero.
“Many regional governments hold events, but in their budgets, they refuse to include wage costs for technical staff and local crews. Creative work is still considered payable with ‘thank you’ and we even have to beg vendors to pay the event crews,” he said.
Backstagers also referenced the case of videographer Amsal Sitepu, which went viral, as an illustration of the weak appreciation for creative work.