Effendi Simbolon Expelled from PDI-P for Endorsing Rival in Jakarta Gubernatorial Race

Four-term lawmaker Effendi Simbolon has been expelled from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) for supporting a rival candidate in the Jakarta gubernatorial election. PDI-P confirmed his dismissal on Saturday.

Effendi had a history of conflicts within PDI-P. He previously called for the impeachment of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a key member of PDI-P. In September 2022, he faced criticism after comparing the Indonesian Military to a gang.

Djarot Syaiful Hidayat, a senior member of PDI-P’s central committee, confirmed Effendi’s expulsion. Effendi did not support PDI-P’s nominee, Pramono Anung, and attended an event endorsing rival candidate Ridwan Kamil.

Djarot stated, “He has been discharged from the party’s membership for violations of ethics and the party’s guidelines.” The dismissal was ordered by PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, emphasizing the party’s stance against dissent.

Effendi’s expulsion is part of a trend within PDI-P. Notable members have left or been dismissed for not endorsing party candidates. Earlier this year, former President Jokowi faced criticism for backing Prabowo Subianto in the presidential election. Prabowo won and chose Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate.

Jokowi’s son-in-law, Bobby Nasution, was removed from PDI-P for supporting the Prabowo-Gibran ticket. He later joined Prabowo’s Gerindra Party and is now leading in the North Sumatra gubernatorial race against PDI-P’s candidate, Edy Rahmayadi.

Other politicians, including Maruarar Sirait and Budiman Sudjatmiko, also left PDI-P for Gerindra before the presidential election and now serve in Prabowo’s cabinet.

Effendi’s dismissal highlights the challenges PDI-P faces in ensuring party unity amid changing political relationships and impacts from the presidential election.