On Statement About Accelerating 2029 Election, Budi Arie Says It Was a Personal View

Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi has confirmed his statement regarding the potential acceleration of the 2029 general election. He said it was a personal view.

“If it is an analysis, it goes like this: there is a possibility of the usual 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,” Budi Arie said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (28/8).

According to him, the statement arose from observing conditions in society, including the development of student movements and aspirations emerging in the public sphere.

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

Budi Arie 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 occurs, it must be managed properly,” he said.

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

Budi Arie said the political changes from 1997 to 1999 should be taken into consideration so that the current political dynamics are handled carefully.

“We have had that experience, haven’t we? The years 97–99, so we must be vigilant and anticipate this carefully and calmly,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the quality of democracy and ensuring that any political turbulence or dynamics are resolved based on constitutional rules.

A video recording of Budi Arie’s statement circulated on social media. Budi Arie spoke alongside Joko Widodo about the possibility of political momentum and the election taking place sooner.