September 26, Commission I Of The House Of Representatives Law On The Commander Of The Indonesian Armed Forces, Army Chief Of Staff And Defense Minister Prabowo

Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission I Abdul Kharis Almasyhari (Photo of Nailin In Saroh/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, responded to the news regarding Effendi Simbolon's statement that he called the TNI a gang. Kharis said that Commission I of the DPR again invited the TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa and Army Chief of Staff General Dudung Abdurachman to attend a working meeting on Monday, September 26. Commission I of the DPR also invited the Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto. "There is a meeting on 26 (September) with the Minister of Defense, the Commander, and the Chief of Staff. What I know is the 26th, God willing," Kharis told reporters at the Parliament Complex, quoted Thursday, September 16.

However, Kharis did not emphasize that the meeting was to discuss specifically the polemic between Dudung and member of Commission I of the DPR Effendi Simbolon. Kharis only revealed that the meeting would discuss the approval of the draft work/budget design (RKA) of these institutions.

"No. We're discussing the budget, but they will definitely come," said Kharis. Regarding the misunderstanding on Effendi's words, it will be discussed, Kharis said it was handed back to the members who wanted to ask questions.

"Yes, it's up to the members whether they want to ask whether they want to. What is certain is that our agenda is to discuss the budget. The last RKA KL tomorrow, approval," he said.

Even so, the PKS politician hopes that the polemic between Effendi and Dudung will not be extended again. Moreover, said Kharis, Effendi has apologized.

"I think there has been an apology from Mr. Effendi, it's over, it's okay. We consider it finished, it's done, there's no need to be extended," said Kharis.

As is known, a member of Commission I of the DPR from the PDIP faction, Effendi Simbolon, received criticism from the TNI in a number of areas after calling the TNI a 'group'. The criticism of a number of TNIs is allegedly at Dudung's direction. As recorded in the video circulating, he encouraged TNI soldiers to protest Effendi's attitude. In a meeting of Commission I of the DPR some time ago, Effendi also revealed personal issues between General Andika Perkasa and General Dudung Abdurachman. According to him, there were disharmony between the two.

Effendi has also held a press conference to apologize for his statement. He has also contacted the TNI Commander and Army Chief of Staff to straighten out his remarks.