Indonesian group leader clarifies remarks on early election possibility

Budi Arie Setiadi, chairman of the Projo volunteer group, has clarified his recent statements regarding the potential acceleration of the 2029 general election. Setiadi emphasized that his remarks, made during a gathering attended by former President Joko Widodo, represented his personal views and not those of the former president.

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We realize that there are parties who want to pit Mr. Prabowo and Mr. Jokowi against each other. Therefore, I already said that statement, it was my personal statement, not Mr. Jokowi's opinion and stance. Mr. Jokowi was just listening.

Setiadi explained that Widodo was present and listened to various opinions expressed by attendees. He noted that Widodo also shared information about Indonesia's economic situation, including a 5 percent economic growth rate and a 3.2 percent inflation rate, assuring participants that conditions were stable. Setiadi stressed that Widodo's role was to listen to the concerns of the people.

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If Mr. Jokowi conveys this to all of us, the situation is still fine. The economy is still growing at 5 percent, inflation is still under control at 3.2 percent, the economic condition of the community is still good. In fact, Mr. Jokowi explained the conditions to us. All our concerns were answered by Mr. Jokowi.

"The statements made by all friends present at the meeting were about the existing conditions. It does not mean it is Mr. Jokowi's stance. It must be seen clearly, because Mr. Jokowi is a leader who wants to listen to everyone," Setiadi stated. He reiterated that his own comments on the possibility of an earlier election were his personal analysis and not a political move to alter the 2029 election schedule.

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All friends who attended the meeting, we conveyed the conditions as they are. It does not mean that it is Mr. Jokowi's stance. It must be seen clearly, because Mr. Jokowi is a leader who wants to listen to everyone.

Setiadi concluded by underscoring the importance of managing political dynamics while adhering to democratic principles and the constitution. "The point is democracy and the constitution. We follow the rules. Obey the rules," he asserted, aiming to dispel any notion that his comments reflected an official agenda or presidential endorsement.

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The point is democracy and the constitution. We follow the rules. Obey the rules.