Golkar Party Warns Projo Chairman Against 'Self-Defeating' Statements

Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Idrus Marham has urged Budi Arie Setiadi, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council (Projo), to exercise greater caution in his political pronouncements. Marham specifically warned that Setiadi's statements could inadvertently become a "boomerang" or "self-defeating weapon."

Marham's concern stems from Setiadi's recent remarks suggesting a potential "acceleration" in political dynamics before the 2029 elections. The Golkar official argued that such statements might prompt the public to recall unresolved political and legal issues associated with Setiadi. "With Budi Arie's statement, people might remember Budi Arie's problems, which are certainly not entirely resolved politically," Marham stated.

Furthermore, Marham cautioned that these controversies could create opportunities for others to resurface past issues and politically attack Setiadi. He believes the statement could be perceived as an attempt to create division between outgoing President Joko Widodo and the incoming administration of President Prabowo Subianto. "It could be interpreted by people, or read as an attempt to sow discord," Marham said.

Marham emphasized that Indonesia is a large house that must be cared for collectively. He stressed that political figures and citizens with platforms for expression should consider democratic ethics, the constitution, and the impact of their words. "Indonesia is a big house that we must care for together. In fact, we make these statements as our responsibility," he added. Marham concluded that freedom of speech in a democracy does not grant license to disregard the political consequences of one's statements, noting that any utterance can be subject to varied public interpretation.