Qodari Responds to Ex-UGM BEM Chair Tiyo Ardianto's Tracking Device Allegations: 'That's Obsolete!'

Jakarta – The Head of the Republic of Indonesia’s Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, believes the allegations regarding the suspected installation of a GPS tracker made by former Chair of the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Student Executive Board (BEM), Tyo Ardianto, cannot be arbitrarily directed at a specific 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 obsolete 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 tools 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 So there is no longer a need to install physical, outdated tracking devices. The ones stuck onto cars are 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 sophisticated entities, the state, no longer use that technology. Thirdly, 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 Tyo Ardianto himself has not been able to definitively name the perpetrator, so the circulating accusations remain speculative and directed towards a certain group. “Did he say with certainty who installed this? No. What exists are insinuations or tendencies to point towards a particular group,” he stressed. On that basis, Qodari urged all parties to uphold the presumption of innocence and not rush to conclusions before clear facts emerge. He encouraged that the allegations be reported to law enforcement officials for a thorough investigation.