T

he Democratic Party has dismissed its spokesman Ruhut Sitompul. Ruhut is known for his sharp remarks as a legislator.

The party decided to dismiss Ruhut from his position after he publicly expressed support for incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s reelection, even though the party has yet to make a formal decision on the matter.

Democratic Party advisory council deputy chairman Agus Hermanto said on Wednesday that Ruhut had only been demoted from his position as spokesman. He has not been dismissed from the party. Therefore, Ruhut may still hold other positions in the party.

Hermanto said several positions remained available for Ruhut, including the head position at the coordinating political, legal and security affairs department in the party.