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Budi Arie's Defense After His Name Was Dragged Into The Kominfo Judol Case Indictment

Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi spoke out after his name was mentioned in the indictment against employees of the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), now known as the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), related to alleged protection of thousands of online gambling sites (judol). The defendants in this case are Zulkarnaen Apriliantony, a self-employed person; Adhi Kismanto, an employee of the Ministry of Communication and Information; Alwin Jabarti Kiemas, President Director of PT Djelas Tandatangan Bersama; and Muhrijan alias Agus, who claimed to be a representative of the director at the Ministry of Communication and Information. 

Zulkarnaen, who is a former Commissioner of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), is said to be Budi Arie's closest confidant during his tenure as Minister of Communication and Information from July 2023 to October 2024. The four defendants committed the act together with Denden Imadudin Soleh, Fakhri Dzulfikar, Muhammad Abindra Putra Tayip, Syamsul Arifin, Muchlis Nasution, Deny Maryono, Budianto Salim, Bennihardi, Ferry Wiliam alias Acai, Bernard alias Otoy, and Helmi Fernando. The indictment was read out at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday (14/5/2025). Budi Arie was accused of knowing about the practice of protecting online gambling sites and allegedly receiving commissions from the activity. 

Budi Arie denied the accusation that he received 50 percent of the money from protecting online gambling sites allegedly carried out by a number of employees of the Ministry of Communication and Information. "That is a malicious narrative that attacks my personal dignity and honor. That is completely untrue," Budi Arie told Kompas.com, Monday (5/19/2025). 

The former Minister Communication and Information asked the public not to fall into a false understanding of this issue. Furthermore, Budi Arie explained that the allocation of 50 percent of the proceeds from protecting online gambling sites mentioned in the indictment was the result of collusion between the defendants, and was not his initiative or request. "That was just their talk that the Minister would later be given a 50 percent share. I didn't know there was an agreement. They never told me, let alone the flow of funds. In fact, there was none," said Budi Arie. He also added that during his tenure, he was actively involved in eradicating online gambling sites. Budi Arie stated that he was ready to be questioned and prove that he was not involved in the practice of protecting online gambling sites. 

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Tag: Budi Arie's Judol Komdigi Zulkarnaen Apriliantony