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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – Indonesia’s Minister of Cooperatives and former Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, is once again in the public spotlight following revelations in court that link his name to a network accused of protecting illegal online gambling websites.
The case, which involves several former officials from the Ministry of Communication and Information (now renamed the Ministry of Communication and Digital or Komdigi), alleges that key individuals received bribes in exchange for preventing gambling sites from being blocked by government internet filters.
Budi Arie’s name emerged during a hearing at the South Jakarta District Court on May 14, 2025, where prosecutors stated that he was allegedly allocated 50 percent of the commission paid by illegal operators to secure protection.
Prosecutors Detail Bribery Scheme
According to the indictment, the scheme involved four main individuals: Zulkarnaen Apriliantony, said to be a close acquaintance of Budi Arie; Adhi Kismanto, a ministry staff member; Alwin Jabarti Kiemas, CEO of PT Djelas Tandatangan Bersama; and Muhrijan, who claimed to act as a representative for a Kominfo director.
Prosecutors outlined that the group agreed on a fee of Rp 8 million per website, with the bribes allegedly divided among themselves and Budi Arie. The breakdown reportedly granted 30 percent to Zulkarnaen, 20 percent to Adhi, and 50 percent to Budi Arie.
The transactions were said to be discussed in private meetings, including one at a café in South Jakarta’s Senopati area. However, no direct evidence of money transfer to Budi Arie has been disclosed to the public thus far.
Police and Prosecutors Open to Further Investigation
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo confirmed that Budi Arie had previously been questioned by investigators on December 19, 2024. He also stated that authorities are open to re-summoning him depending on developments in court.
“We follow the trial proceedings and will act according to any instructions from the judges,” said Listyo Sigit during a press conference on May 20.
South Jakarta District Prosecutor Haryoko Ari Prabowo echoed this stance, indicating that Budi Arie may be summoned again if deemed relevant to the evidence presented.
Government Responds, Urges Legal Process
Responding to the controversy, the Presidential Communication Office emphasized that the government will not interfere with the legal process. PCO Head Hasan Nasbi stressed that the administration respects the law and will allow the courts to determine the outcome based on facts and evidence.
“This is about legal integrity. Let the process proceed transparently, and the guilty will be held accountable. Those who are innocent should not be forced to bear blame,” said Nasbi on May 19.
Budi Arie Denies All Allegations
In a written statement issued on May 19, Budi Arie Setiadi rejected all claims linking him to the online gambling protection ring. He described the accusations as a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
“This is a malicious narrative attacking my integrity. I never received any money, and I was never part of any such agreement,” said Budi Arie.
He further asserted that during his tenure as Minister of Communication and Information, he actively pursued the shutdown of illegal gambling websites and encouraged the public to review his digital record to verify his actions.
“There is no evidence of any financial flow from them to me. That alone should be enough to dismiss these baseless claims,” he added.
Budi Arie also pointed out that the individuals involved may have simply used his name to gain leverage or credibility in their illegal dealings, without his knowledge or consent.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The case has triggered widespread media coverage and online debate, particularly due to the political profile of Budi Arie, who also serves as the Chairman of the Projo (Pro-Jokowi) volunteer group.
While some netizens have called for thorough investigations, others have cautioned against drawing conclusions before the court delivers its verdict.
As of now, Budi Arie has not been named as a suspect, and the investigation remains focused on the individuals currently on trial.
Whether Budi Arie Setiadi will face formal charges depends on the court’s assessment of the evidence and testimony presented in the ongoing trial. The next few weeks will be critical as legal proceedings continue and law enforcement agencies review their next steps.
For now, the case stands as a significant test of Indonesia’s ability to handle high-profile corruption and online crime allegations transparently and fairly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Budi Arie Setiadi?
Budi Arie Setiadi is Indonesia’s current Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (Menkop). He previously served as the Minister of Communication and Information (Kominfo). He is also known as the Chairman of Projo, a political volunteer group that supports President Joko Widodo.
Why is Budi Arie Setiadi linked to the online gambling case?
Budi Arie’s name appeared in a court indictment involving former Kominfo officials who were accused of protecting illegal online gambling websites in exchange for bribes. Prosecutors alleged that Budi Arie was allocated 50% of the commission from this operation, though no direct evidence has been presented publicly.
Has Budi Arie been officially charged?
As of now, Budi Arie Setiadi has not been formally charged. However, both the police and prosecutors have stated they may summon him again for questioning depending on the court’s proceedings and any new evidence that may arise.
What is Budi Arie’s response to the allegations?
Budi Arie has denied all allegations, calling them a “malicious narrative” and stating that he was unaware of any such scheme. He claims he never received any money and was not involved in protecting gambling sites. He also emphasized that he actively worked to shut down such sites during his time at Kominfo.
What is the current status of the case?
The case is ongoing in the South Jakarta District Court, with several individuals currently standing trial. These include former Kominfo staff and private sector figures allegedly involved in the protection of gambling sites. The trial continues to draw significant public and media attention.
What does the government say about Budi Arie’s involvement?
The Presidential Communication Office has stated that the government will not interfere with the legal process. Officials have urged the public to let the court handle the matter and wait for a final verdict based on facts and legal findings.
Is there any evidence connecting Budi Arie to the gambling network?
As of the latest court hearings, no direct evidence, such as financial transactions or official communications, has been publicly disclosed linking Budi Arie to the illicit activities. His name was mentioned in testimony and documents, but further investigation is needed to determine the validity of those claims.
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