Saturday, December 2, 2023

Lawmaker Apologizes for Calling TNI “Just another Gang”

Yustinus Paat
September 15, 2022 | 12:55 pm
SHARE
House of Representatives member Effendi Simbolon, second right, waves at journalists after a press conference at the legislature building in Jakarta on Sept. 14, 2022. (Beritasatu Photo/Ruht Semiono)
House of Representatives member Effendi Simbolon, second right, waves at journalists after a press conference at the legislature building in Jakarta on Sept. 14, 2022. (Beritasatu Photo/Ruht Semiono)

Jakarta. House of Representatives member Effendi Simbolon has apologized to the Indonesian Military (TNI) for comparing soldiers with gang members during a recent hearing with Armed Forces Commander General Andika Perkasa.

During the heated hearing with the military top brass on Sept. 5, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician accused TNI of “disharmony” and a lack of discipline among soldiers.

He went on to criticize Andika for allegedly being in a feud with Army Chief of Staff General Dudung Abdurachman.

“There are many findings about disharmony and disobedience that make the TNI look like just another gang or mass organization,” he said at that time.

Advertisement

“We want to be firm that the ultimate power is shared between the president and the House of Representatives. Without House approvals, the president cannot assign the military. The TNI is just an instrument and you generals are in command only temporarily,” he said.

It remains unclear what has triggered his harsh remarks but the hearing ten days ago began with criticisms from members of the House’s Defense Commission because the Army chief of staff and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto failed to show up.

Effendi’s remarks angered soldiers who went to social media to denounce him.

“I demand that you publicly apologize to the TNI,” a Tweeter user who identified himself as Lance Corporal Arif said in a video post after calling Effendi by name.

A group of activists also reported Effendi to the House Ethics Council for his remarks on the TNI.

“I apologize for my words that may have offended and caused discomfort to any soldier or other people because of misperception,” Effendi said in a news conference on Wednesday.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

POPULAR READS


News 13 hours ago

Philippines Opens Monitoring Base on Remote Island in Disputed South China Sea

Thitu is one of nine islands, islets and atolls that have been occupied by Philippine forces since the 1970s
News 13 hours ago

President’s Office Refutes Allegations of Interference in Setya Novanto Case

Former House Speaker Setya Novanto is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of corruption charges.
Special Updates 13 hours ago

Teras by Plataran to Open at Pondok Indah Mall 2

Teras by Plataran will open at Pondok Indah Mall (PIM) 2 in Jakarta this Sunday
Lifestyle 20 hours ago

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Drop 8.57 Pct in October

BPS reported that foreign tourist arrivals had seen a 8.57 percent drop in October compared to the previous month.
News Dec 1, 2023 | 11:48 am

Indonesia Vows Rock Solid Support for Palestine

Indonesia will continue its push for a two-state solution.

Popular Tag


Opini Title

COPYRIGHT © 2023 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED