Jokowi Spills Reason for Tapping Budi Arie as Kominfo Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo revealed his reasons for choosing Budi Arie Setiadi as the Communication and Information or Kominfo Minister. He stated that the new minister was expected to expedite the 4G Base Transceivers Station (BTS) tower project.

Budi took his oath of office at Jakarta State Palace today, July 17, 2023.

“We have a very short time, less than one year and a half, so I want Kominfo to prioritize the BTS project,” Jokowi said after swearing in the new minister and deputy ministers at State Palace today, July 17.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi gives a statement after inaugurating five deputy ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, July 17, 2023. The newly appointed Communication and Information (Kominfo) Minister Budi Arie Setiadi (right) is seen standing besides the President.  (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

Jokowi considered Budi's appointment fitting because the latter, who is the chairman of his supporter group Projo, previously served as Deputy Minister of Village, Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration. The 4G BTS project, meanwhile, is eyeing underdeveloped villages with no internet access.

“Because this is about service to the community, especially in frontier and underdeveloped areas,” he added.

Apart from Budi, Jokowi also appointed a former member of the Press Council, Nezar Patria, as Deputy Kominfo Minister. 

“The current rapid change is highly determined by ICT (Information and Communication of Technology). Therefore, we support this [project completion by appointing a new] Deputy Minister so that everything related to data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, frequency, and satellites can all be finished immediately,” he explained.

Jokowi believed Nezar Patria who is a former journalist can hold this position. “Pak Nezar has experience in the media, was a member of the Press Council, and has been at SOE Ministry, I think he will be very helpful,” the state head concluded.

Budi Arie Setiadi is inaugurated as Kominfo Minister replacing Johnny G. Plate who is now a suspect in the corruption case of the Kominfo Ministry’s BTS project.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA

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