Protesters Visit Jokowi's Residence Over Early Election Remarks

A group of around a dozen individuals, identifying themselves as the Alliance of Indonesian People on the Move (ARIB), visited the residence of Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Sumber, Solo, Central Java, on Thursday (10/9). The protest was triggered by recent remarks from Budi Arie Setiadi, the chairman of Projo, a prominent Jokowi volunteer group, who alluded to the possibility of an earlier general election before 2029. Eyewitness accounts from CNNIndonesia.com reported the protesters holding signs with messages directed at President Jokowi. Bangun Satoto, one of the ARIB participants, stated their intention was to deliver a letter and a plaque inscribed with Javanese philosophy to the president. Satoto referenced an incident where Jokowi was seated next to Budi Arie as the latter discussed the potential for an accelerated election timeline. He explained that ARIB's action was a response to these remarks, aiming to remind President Jokowi of the importance of maintaining the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). The plaque bore a Javanese proverb: "Even if you are powerful, do not be arrogant. Even if you are powerful, always remember death. Whoever sows will reap, the results of their actions. Whoever is wrong will fall." The protesters stood in front of Jokowi's residence, insisting on handing over the letter and plaque directly. However, a presidential security detail explained that all incoming mail and items must be submitted through the secretariat. While they stated that meeting the president was not being prevented, the direct handover was not permitted. After waiting for approximately 30 minutes, the protesters eventually dispersed. Previously, Budi Arie Setiadi had issued a clarification regarding a viral video where he discussed the possibility of an earlier election. He apologized to those who felt uncomfortable with his analysis, asserting that his statements were his personal responsibility and had no connection to President Jokowi, who was also present at the event. In the viral video, Budi Arie was seen in a forum, seated next to President Jokowi, discussing the political momentum and the potential for elections to occur sooner. "I just whispered to Mr. Jokowi, 'Sir, my instinct says it will be faster than 2029?' Do we want that? We might not necessarily want it," Budi Arie was heard saying. "We are still talking about 'Oh, this is the 2029 election, the 2029 election.' What if an acceleration happens? Are we ready?" he added. Source: CNN Indonesia