Prabowo Volunteers Condemn Budi Arie's Statement on Accelerating 2029 Election
The Chairman of Relawan Cinta Prabowo (GCP), H. Kurniawan, has highlighted the viral video of Budi Arie’s statement that has triggered a wave of political speculation. In the video, Budi Arie bluntly referred to his political instinct regarding the possibility of a change of president or an acceleration of the general election before the 2029 term ends.
He made the remarks during a discussion and press conference themed “Maintaining National Stability and Conduciveness” on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
According to Kurniawan, the statement has given rise to various political speculations about the issue of accelerating a transfer of power. He stressed that Prabowo’s volunteer supporters will continue to safeguard the government until the end of its term in accordance with the constitution.
“We are ready to stand with Prabowo to defend this government not because we are hungry for power, but for the sake of the nation’s and the country’s progress,” he said on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
His side respects every political view expressed by anyone. However, Budi Arie’s statement about taking over power sooner than 2029 is deeply regrettable and they condemn it.
“We emphasise once again that the government is focused on working and making the President’s programmes a success. The public supports these programmes,” he said.
At the event, the Chairman of the Exponen 08 Presidium, M Damar, also responded to the planned demonstration on 27 August 2026 at the DPR/MPR building. He said he respects the activity. According to him, expressing opinions is part of democracy.
“We invite any element of society wishing to carry out actions and express aspirations to maintain order,” he said.
Damar continued that his side strongly condemns any form of mobilisation deliberately directed at provoking, creating chaos and rioting. “Please express your aspirations. Differing opinions are allowed, damaging the country is not,” he added.
According to him, the government of President Prabowo Subianto is currently focused on working. The government is ensuring that development agendas and programmes continue to run and continues to respond to the people’s problems.
“At present we are facing various disasters in a number of regions, including the earthquake in NTT and forest fires. The government is focused on that. Our energy, the Indonesian nation, should be directed towards helping the affected communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Syahganda Nainggolan stressed that expressing aspirations is a political right of citizens. However, according to him, that right must be exercised responsibly and not be directed towards social unrest.