PDIP Politician Effendi Simbolon Calls TNI Commander Replaced In July, General Andika Perkasa Strong Candidate

Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Andika Perkasa (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Andika Perkasa is considered the most likely to become a candidate for the TNI Commander in Chief to replace Air Marshal Hadi Tjahyanto.

Member of the House of Representatives Commission I, Effendi Simbolon, said Andika was most appropriate when he saw the urgent needs of the TNI at this time.

Although the Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral TNI Yudo Margono and Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo have the same opportunity.

"So actually there is no term allotment, because there you can or can take turns. But if you look at the needs of the TNI, which is very urgent where we want to consolidate power, it is indeed from 3 chiefs of staff who are very likely. Yes, General Andika Perkasa, Mr. Army Chief of Staff now," said Effendi at the DPR building, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 2.

However, he continued, even though all the chiefs of staff met the requirements to become commanders, the political decision was still from President Joko Widodo.

"So we'll see, it looks like this July there will be a change," said Effendi.

The PDIP politician said that the DPR's Commission I unanimously approved Andika Perkasa to take part in the fit and proper test as TNI Commander in the DPR.

"Yes (approved). If Mr. Andika becomes the Commander of the TNI," said Effendi.

"Sometimes we joke that if a general becomes the commander of the TNI, we see that the budget allocation is very small," he continued.

However, according to Effendi Simbolon, the decision remains with President Jokowi as the supreme commander. Although his side saw Andika as the most likely.

"I see the opportunity, but again, is President Jokowi pleased with the figure of General Andika to become TNI Commander in the near future? If so, the process will take less than 2 years, there are still many things to improve within the TNI itself," he said.

Touching that the approval was only the attitude of the PDIP faction or that it was entirely in Commission I of the DPR, Effendi did not explain clearly.

"Attitude, yes, look at the market, look at it like that. But back again to the president who has the prerogative. The president is pleased with Mr. Andika, so, if you like Mr. Yudo, yes, you want a younger one, please ," he explained.

"In the TNI it will not be a problem, there will be no polarization, generally those with 3 stars and above are already mentally established," Effendi added.