A leaked voice recording allegedly featuring Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi has ignited political tension between the government and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).
The recording, which circulated online earlier this week, reportedly features Budi Arie accusing PDIP and the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of being involved in an online gambling case.
PDIP leaders, including party chair Puan Maharani, responded sharply, demanding a public clarification from the minister and labeling his remarks as reckless and harmful.
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In response, Budi Arie’s political ally from Projo, Freddy Alex Damanik, clarified that the statement was made in a private conversation and was never intended for publication.
Minister’s Ally Says Recording Was a Private Off-the-Record Conversation
Freddy Alex Damanik, Vice Chairman of Projo, said Budi Arie was unaware the conversation was being recorded.
“The conversation was private, off the record, and not for publication,” Freddy told reporters on Wednesday (28/05/2025).
He criticized the release of the audio as unethical and in violation of journalistic standards and legal norms.
According to Freddy, such actions breach the boundaries of ethical reporting and violate the right to privacy.
PDIP Responds Strongly to Allegation, Demands Minister Clarify Remarks
Puan Maharani, Chair of PDIP’s Central Executive Board, urged the minister to publicly clarify his remarks.
“To prevent public misunderstanding, please clarify this matter and refrain from making careless statements,” she said in Senayan on Tuesday (27/05/2025).
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She warned that such accusations, even if unintended, could damage the reputation of the party and stir unnecessary controversy.
Other PDIP members took further steps, filing a police report against Budi Arie, citing defamation and injury to the party’s image.
Clarification Stresses Individuals, Not PDIP as an Institution
Freddy Damanik explained that Budi Arie was not referring to PDIP as an institution but to individuals facing legal proceedings.
“What he meant were specific individuals currently on trial, not the party itself,” Freddy clarified.
He emphasized that the alleged statement had been misinterpreted and stripped of its proper context.
Freddy reiterated that the minister respects PDIP as a political institution and did not intend to malign it.
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Minister’s Conversation Aimed at Clarifying News Coverage Headline
The controversial conversation reportedly took place between Budi Arie and the editor-in-chief of an online media outlet.
Freddy explained that the minister was seeking clarification on a misleading news headline that mentioned him.
He said the headline did not reflect the actual indictment or the facts of the case.
Freddy argued that Budi Arie’s intent was to distance himself from allegations that he ordered protection for online gambling operations.Alleged Audio Recording Draws Mixed Reactions Across Media Landscape
The recording, which circulated without verification of its authenticity, caused widespread speculation in the media.
Some outlets treated the audio as a leak of significant public interest, while others questioned the ethics of publishing private conversations.
Legal experts also weighed in, noting that recording and distributing private conversations without consent could violate Indonesian law.
Journalists’ associations reminded newsrooms to respect journalistic codes of ethics regarding off-the-record sources.
Clarification Highlights Political Risks of Private Conversations
This controversy has highlighted the risks public officials face when private conversations become public.
It also underscores the fine line between personal opinion and institutional accusation in politically sensitive contexts.
Observers say the case could set a precedent for how political speech is interpreted and acted upon in the media.
As the case develops, pressure mounts on both the government and the media to uphold ethical standards and transparent communication.***
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