Bantah Effendi Simbolon, Legislator Golkar: No Conflict To The TNI Commander And KSAD

JAKARTA - Member of Commission I of the House of Representatives from the Golkar faction Dave Laksono, confirmed that there was no conflict between the TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa and Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Dudung Abdurrahman. This was said by Dave in response to the issue of disharmony between the TNI Commander and the Army Chief of Staff. Moreover, said Dave, the two four-star generals have denied the rumors.

"There is no conflict. Mr. Army Chief of Staff has said there is no conflict, the Commander in Chief has also stated that there is no conflict. So yes, it is only an issue circulating, there are no conflict issues," Dave told reporters at the DPR RI Building, Jakarta, Thursday, September 8.

Previously, Member of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Effendi Simbolon, again explained the issue of disharmony between the TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa and Army Chief of Staff General Dudung Abdurachman. Effendi admitted that he had known about Andika's relationship with Dudung since the two were sworn in as TNI officials.

"We have received information for quite a long time from their time, both Mr. Andika as commander in chief and Mr. Dudung as Army Chief of Staff. Maybe so far, for us, it's something that usually has differences, views, opinions, but then it feels that over time it has become a serious matter regarding the impact of performance rather than the TNI itself," said Effendi when met at the Parliament Complex, Thursday, September 8.

Therefore, the PDIP legislator considered the need to ask General Andika and General Dudung about the problems in the TNI. "Please explain, that was the forum yesterday but Pak Dudung didn't come. We wanted to come together so that we got an explanation from the existing party," said Effendi.

"We have the information, but it's impossible for us to answer it too. So we will confirm it with him. If it is said that there is no disharmony, harmonious, yes, Alhamdulillah," he continued.

Effendi emphasized that he was not in charge of Andika and Dudung's personal affairs. Not to mediate personally between general A and general B. However, more in the context of tupoksi, both of them serve as commanders and chiefs of staff. "We, Commission I, have the right (to ask) because don't let that problem have an impact on the integrity, solidity and function of the TNI. That will damage our national stability. So it's not that simple," explained Effendi.

"So we shouldn't talk yet, it's better for him to answer first, we hope he is present. Long we have that record," he added.

According to Effendi, although the issue of the Disharmoni has been dismissed by the TNI Commander in the meeting, Dudung will also answer better. However, it must be explained together in a meeting held at Commission I of the DPR. If necessary, he said, there is also the Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto.

"Indeed, General Andika has answered, but it's good that Pak Dudung is there, the Minister of Defense is even in the middle so that it's clear. Time from time to time it keeps happening like this. Is there any omission wants to be like this. We all have an interest in maintaining the whole TNI," said Effendi.

Effendi also said that the dispute did not only occur in the Dudung and Andika era, but previously.

"Yes, yes, it keeps repeating itself, right. For us it must be ended and firm, the president must be firm, it cannot be tolerated, it is compliance with superiors, orders must not exist like this, let alone disobedience," he said. "If everyone is disobedient, everyone can't be a gang, everyone must be disciplined in obeying the boss's decision," said Effendi.