Qodari on GPS Tracker in Ex-UGM BEM Chair Tiyo's Car: That's Obsolete Technology

Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Qodari, has stated that allegations regarding the suspected installation of a GPS tracker made by former Chair of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Tiyo Ardianto, cannot be arbitrarily directed at any particular party without strong evidence. According to Qodari, tracking technology has become so advanced that using a physical tracking device attached to a vehicle is an outdated method. Qodari admitted he does not possess in-depth technical knowledge of tracking devices. However, based on information he has received, modern tracking technology no longer relies on physical devices installed on vehicles. “Firstly, the information I have is that tracking tools are now very sophisticated. So there is no longer a need to install physical, old-fashioned tracking devices. The kind stuck onto cars is like something from an old film,” Qodari said. According to Qodari, tracking can now be done via software, so the presence of a physical device actually raises questions about who installed it. Therefore, if such a device was indeed found, the perpetrator is not necessarily the party that has been implied in the accusations. “Whoever installed this might be an amateur. Because if it were sophisticated, the state would no longer use that technology. Furthermore, it is not impossible that this is actually an attempt to sow discord,” he stated. Qodari said there is still no certainty regarding who installed the device. He noted that Tiyo Ardianto himself has not been able to definitively name the perpetrator, meaning the circulating accusations remain mere conjecture directed at a certain group. “Did he say with certainty who installed this? No, he didn’t. What exists are insinuations or tendencies to point towards a certain group,” he stressed. On that basis, Qodari urged all parties to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence and not rush to conclusions before clear facts are established. He encouraged that the allegation be reported to law enforcement for a thorough investigation. “We must not make accusations here and there. It should be investigated, and if necessary, reported to law enforcement to be looked into. To find out who actually installed it,” he said. According to Qodari, an assessment and conclusion regarding the perpetrator can only be made after the identity of the person who installed the device is truly known through an accountable investigation process. “Only after it is truly discovered who installed it can a verdict be delivered. Do not let the presumption of guilt become synonymous with the final verdict. That would be a leap in logic,” he concluded.