News Summary:
- Achmad Syahri Assidiqi has issued a public apology following a viral video that allegedly showed him gaming and smoking during an official meeting.
- The young Gerindra Party politician admitted his mistake and expressed regret for actions deemed inappropriate for a public representative.
- Syahri confirmed he is prepared to accept any sanctions imposed by his party or the Jember Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).
Following a wave of public criticism, Jember DPRD member Achmad Syahri Assidiqi has finally broken his silence. After days of public scrutiny stemming from a viral video that allegedly showed him playing games while smoking during a meeting on health issues, the young Gerindra politician has issued a formal apology to the community.
The apology, delivered via a brief video circulated on Wednesday evening (May 13, 2026), marks his first official response after previously remaining silent and ignoring media inquiries. Prior to this, repeated attempts by Kompas.com to reach Syahri via phone and WhatsApp went unanswered. This initial lack of communication fueled intense speculation and intensified the public backlash against him.
Admitting Mistakes and Expressing Regret
In the video, Syahri—who is the son of former DPR RI member Fadil Muzakki Syah—expressed sincere remorse for his behavior, labeling his actions as a significant lapse in judgment.
“I, Achmad Syahri Assidiqi, a member of Commission D of the Jember DPRD, humbly apologize to the people of Jember, and specifically to the General Chair of the Gerindra Party and the Gerindra Central Executive Board (DPP) for the incident currently circulating,” Syahri stated in the footage.
He acknowledged that the incident serves as a vital lesson in his political career. Syahri admitted that he was fully aware his behavior was unacceptable for an elected official. “I am aware of my actions; I made a mistake. I hope this serves as a lesson for my life,” he added. This statement represents his first public admission of guilt since the video went viral and drew condemnation from various sectors of society.
Prepared for Disciplinary Action
Beyond his apology, Syahri declared his willingness to face the consequences of his actions. He explicitly stated that he is ready to accept sanctions from either his party or the Jember DPRD. “I am ready to be sanctioned by the party and the DPRD. As a young person, I have many shortcomings,” he said.
Syahri expressed hope that such an event would not be repeated in the future. He reiterated his apologies to the public, particularly the citizens of Jember who felt disappointed by his conduct during the formal proceedings.
Origin of the Controversy
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Syahri allegedly playing a mobile game while holding a cigarette during a Commission D hearing on May 11, 2026. The meeting was intended to address critical public health concerns, including stunting, measles, maternal and infant mortality rates, and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
The footage immediately ignited a firestorm on social media. Many critics argued that such behavior reflects a lack of ethics and professionalism, especially given that the meeting took place in an air-conditioned environment and focused on sensitive issues directly affecting the public interest.
Summoned by the Gerindra Party Council
As the controversy continued to grow, the Gerindra Party’s Central Executive Board (DPP) took decisive action. Syahri has been scheduled to appear for a hearing before the Party Council on Friday, May 15, 2026. The summons is part of the party’s internal evaluation process regarding members who have drawn negative public attention. This case continues to be a major point of discussion, highlighting the ongoing debate regarding the conduct of public officials while performing their official duties.
(TribunTrends/Kompas)
Summary
Achmad Syahri Assidiqi, a Jember DPRD member, has publicly apologized after a viral video showed him playing games and smoking during an official meeting concerning critical public health issues. The Gerindra Party politician admitted his mistake, expressing deep regret for actions deemed inappropriate for an elected official. He acknowledged the incident was a significant lapse in judgment and a vital lesson in his political career.
Syahri stated his readiness to accept any sanctions imposed by his party or the Jember Regional House of Representatives following the controversy. He reiterated his apologies to the disappointed Jember community, expressing hope that such an event would not be repeated. The Gerindra Party’s Central Executive Board has since summoned him for a hearing to address his conduct.