Isu Disharmoni Panglima TNI-KSAD, Effendi Simbolon: Gets Enough Information, If Harmonious Alhamdulillah

Member of Commission I DPR Effendi Simbolon (Photo: Nailin/VOI)

JAKARTA - 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, it 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, it is more in the context of the main tasks of both serving as commanders and chiefs of staff. "We, Commission I, have the right (to ask) because we should not let that problem have an impact on the integrity, solidity and work of the TNI function. 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 is disobedient. Can't it be a gang, everyone must be disciplined in obeying the boss's decision," said Effendi. Previously, Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Dudung Abdurachman mentioned the working meeting of Commission I of the DPR RI which sometimes discusses issues outside the planned theme. Dudung also emphasized that there were no problems in his relationship with Andika. "If we meet the RDP, the topics are usually determined, which will discuss budget issues. Sometimes we don't focus on questions or discussions. It's not clear," said Dudung at the Army Headquarters, Jakarta, Wednesday, September 7. The reason he was absent from the Commission I working meeting on Tuesday, September 5, was because Andika ordered him to check the preparations for the 143/TWEJ Infantry Battalion in Lampung. The reason is, they will serve their duties as the North Sector RI-PNG Border Security Task Force (Satgas Pamtas). Dudung said the check was delayed several times until he was finally ordered to ensure the readiness of the soldiers. "Yesterday I was not present to carry out the RDP, one of the orders of the TNI Commander to check the readiness of the 143 battalion to go to the operational area," he said.