Effendi Simbolon Clarifies The Signal To Support Prabowo, PDIP Secretary General: Very Clear Mr. Effendi Obeys Megawati's Decision

PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto said that PDI-P cadres as well as members of Commission I of the DPR Effendi Simbolon had clarified their statements in support of Prabowo Subianto.

"Today Mr. Effendi Simbolon met with the PDI-P DPP to clarify," said Hasto as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, July 10.

Hasto explained that the candidate for president and chairman of the Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto was present at the 2023 Punguan Simbolon Dohot Boruna (PSBI) National Working Meeting in his capacity as Minister of Defense, who originally spoke about aspects of defending the country.

Hasto explained that the honor of the PDI-P DPP also clarified because there was a public perception that Effendi Simbolon's signal of support was not for the presidential candidate appointed by PDI Perjuangan Ganjar Pranowo.

"In his explanation, it is very clear (clear) that Pak Effendi Simbolon as a party cadre is fully obedient to support the decision of the PDI-P General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri," he said.

Hasto also said that Effendi would fight to win Ganjar Pranowo as a presidential candidate promoted by the PDI-P along with other parties, namely PPP, Perindo, and Hanura.

The Secretary General of the PDI-P revealed that in a discussion with Effendi Simbolon, the member of Commission I of the DPR RI has a number of notes related to Prabowo's policy in purchasing used aircraft, namely 12 units of Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft from Qatar.

"The purchase of the former Mirage plane from Qatar is an inappropriate policy. In fact, it has the potential to violate the law," said Hasto.

When alluding to sanctions, Hasto said that his party would report the results of Effendi Simbolon's clarification in the DPP meeting first.

"With this explanation, it turns out that it is also very objective in the views received by the party's DPP, the Honorary Council, including defense policies," said Hasto.

Previously, Effendi Simbolon at the national working meeting of the Simbolon Batak people's Association (PSBI), the organization he has led since 2007, assessed that Gerindra Chairman Prabowo Subianto is the person who deserves to lead Indonesia in the future to replace President Joko Widodo.

His personal assessment of Prabowo Subianto, the General Chair of Gerinda, has the character and ability that can lead Indonesia in the future.

"Earlier I thought we could read, honestly, objectively, I saw that it was in Pak Prabowo," said Effendi.