Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

PDIP has officially dismissed Effendi Simbolon due to violations of ethical standards and the party’s bylaws. Effendi was found to have supported Ridwan Kamil, a candidate for the governor of DKI Jakarta.

Effendi Muara Sakti Simbolon, born in Banjarmasin on December 1, 1964, completed his degree in Business Management at Universitas Jayabaya from 1982 to 1988.

After graduating, he began his career in various private companies and served as a consultant for PT Pupuk Kaltim from 1997 to 1999.

Effendi entered the political arena with PDIP, serving as a member of the PDIP faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives for four consecutive terms since 2004.

Additionally, he held the position of Chairperson of Resources and Funding for the DPP PDIP from 2010 to 2015. In 2013, he was nominated by PDIP as a gubernatorial candidate for North Sumatra but lost to Gatot Pujo Nugroho.

Effendi often made headlines due to his controversial statements. He stirred public debate when he referred to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as a “mob” during a meeting at the House of Representatives.

“We have encountered numerous irregularities, disharmony, and non-compliance. This TNI is like a mob, more like an organization. There is no compliance,” Effendi remarked during a meeting on September 5, 2022.

This led to a report being filed against him with the Honorary Council of the House (MKD). Following the backlash, he issued an apology for the uproar his comments caused.

Effendi’s actions have also attracted attention in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. He indicated his support for Prabowo Subianto during the National Working Meeting of the Simbolon Clan at Hotel Aryaduta Menteng, Jakarta, on July 7. This was notable as PDIP was backing Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD at that time.

In the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections, Effendi captured public interest again. He was present to show his support for the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, for gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil, who was number one on the ballot, during an event in Cempaka Putih, Jakarta, on the evening of November 18.

Meanwhile, PDIP nominated Pramono Anung and Rano Karno for the Jakarta gubernatorial election in 2024. Consequently, the DPP PDIP decided to expel Effendi.

“Yes, PDIP has dismissed Effendi Simbolon for supporting RK-Suswono,” confirmed DPP PDIP Chairman Djarot Syaiful Hidayat to CNNIndonesia.com on Saturday, November 30.

He further stated, “This was a violation of the party’s ethical code and its bylaws.”

[Gambas:Video CNN]

(dhf/agt)