JAKARTA - Former Minister of Communication and Information who is currently the Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi denied the narrative that he received 50 percent of the money from the protection of the gambling site (judol) by a number of Ministry of Communication and Informatics employees (now the Ministry of Communication and Digital).
"That is an evil narrative that attacks my personal dignity and dignity. That is absolutely not true," Budi Arie said in a written statement reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 19.
Budi said the narrative that said he got 50 percent of the money from the protection of the judol site was a collusion among the suspects, not an initiative or request of himself.
"So they just announced that the Minister will be given a 50 percent share. I don't know if there is an agreement. They also never tell. Moreover, the flow of funds. In fact, it doesn't exist," said Budi Arie.
"In fact, at that time I actually intensified the eradication of the judol site. You can check the digital footprint," said Budi.
He is also ready to prove himself not involved in the practice of protecting the judol site in the legal process.
According to Budi Arie, there are three important points that can prove that he is not at all involved in the protection of judol sites such as the narrative circulating.
"The point is, first they (the suspects) never told me they would give 50 percent. They will not dare to say, because I will immediately process the law," said Budi Arie.
"So once again, that's all they say, sell the name of the minister so that the sale sells," he continued.
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Second, Budi Arie admitted that he did not know anything about the evil practices committed by his former subordinates. He only found out after the case was investigated by the police and revealed to the public.
"Thirdly, there is no flow of funds from them to me. This is the most important thing. For me, it has proven a lot," he said.
Budi Arie hopes that the public can see this case clearly so that it does not dissolve in the evil narrative against him. He also hopes that law enforcers will work straight and professionally so that they can resolve the case.
Budi Arie's name appeared in the indictment of the alleged protection of the gambling site by a number of unscrupulous Ministry of Communication and Information employees. The indictment was read out by the public prosecutor (JPU) at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday (14/5).
In the indictment, Budi Arie is said to have received 50 percent of the commission from the practice of protecting judol sites so as not to be blocked by the Ministry of Communication and Information.
The defendants in this case are Zulkarnaen Apriliantony (Budi Arie's friend), Adhi Kismanto (Ministry of Communication and Information), Alwin Jabarti Kiemas (President Director of PT Djelas Tandangan Bersama), and Muhrijan alias Agus (the decision of the Director of the Ministry of Communication and Information).
According to the prosecutor's indictment, initially Muhrijan offered a commission of Rp. 3 million per judol site to Zulkarnaen. After negotiations, it was agreed that the tariff was Rp. 8 million per site with the commission distribution as follows: 50 percent for Budi Arie, 30 percent for Zulkarnaen, and 20 percent for Adhi Kismanto.
"Terdakwa II Adhi Kismanto sebesar 20 persen, Terdakwa I Zulkarnaen Apriliantony sebesar 30 persen, dan untuk saudara Budi Arie Setiadi sebesar 50 persen dari seluruhan website yang dipertahankan," kata jaksa.
Budi Arie had previously denied his involvement in the protection of judol sites. He emphasized that he was not involved in the practice of protecting gambling online and was ready if he had to be examined by the police.
"Certainly not (involved)," said Budi Arie at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, November 6, 2024.
Budi Arie also invited the police to explore information related to this case.
"Just wait, just explore, we are ready. The truth will definitely find its own way," he said.
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