Solo – The 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), responded to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) decision to dismiss one of its members, Effendi Simbolon. Jokowi gave a brief answer regarding his meeting with Effendi Simbolon, which was said to be the reason for the dismissal.
“We met, why did we meet?” said Jokowi at his private residence in Sumber, Banjarsari, on Tuesday (December 3, 2024). Jokowi responded to a question about the reasons behind PDIP’s decision to dismiss Effendi Simbolon after meeting with him.
Regarding the dismissal of Effendi, Jokowi stated that it was within the party’s authority to make such decisions.
“That’s the party’s prerogative,” Jokowi answered briefly.
As previously reported, PDIP explained the considerations behind their decision to expel politician Effendi Simbolon. PDIP said there was a meeting between Effendi Simbolon and the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), which was deemed inconsistent with the party’s principles.
The incident, as confirmed by PDIP spokesperson Aryo Seno Bagaskoro, occurred when Effendi attended an event in support of the number one pair in the Jakarta regional election, Ridwan Kamil and Suswono, in Cempaka Putih, on Monday (November 18). President Jokowi and Gerindra Party elites were also present at the event.
“Yes (the incident in Cempaka Putih). That’s the main issue,” said Seno when asked for confirmation on Sunday (December 1).
Seno explained that PDIP took decisive action due to this meeting. He mentioned that if Effendi had met with other figures, PDIP would not have made an issue of it.
“Therefore, in the case of Mr. Effendi Simbolon, the party has never been lenient in taking a stand when it comes to principles. Well, Mr. Effendi Simbolon met and communicated with Mr. Jokowi,” Seno said.
“This is a different matter if it were with other political figures, but this is meeting with Mr. Jokowi. Before he then took a political step that differed from the party’s recommendations,” he added.
