AHY on PDIP's Position: Opposition Should Criticise, But Not Paint Everything as Wrong

Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has spoken about the position of PDIP, which has recently come under the spotlight from several political parties within the government coalition. AHY said he respects PDIP’s stance, noting that his own party has also been in opposition before. “I respect all political parties that have certain attitudes and views. Everyone has an agenda, everyone has interests, but let us place our common and national interests above partisan interests,” AHY told reporters at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday. AHY also stated that his party has its own interests in supporting the government, recalling that the Democrats have previously been both a ruling party and in opposition. “The Democrats certainly have interests and goals, and we have also been in opposition, we have been the ruling party, so it can be said that the Democrats have a complete set of experiences and track record. We are grateful for all of that, each with different consequences and challenges,” he said. The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure assessed that when joining a government coalition, the role is to ensure the smooth running of government programmes. Conversely, he said, when in opposition, one must provide constructive criticism. “When in opposition, of course, there is an interest in providing views, even criticism, but it must be constructive and must also come with solutions,” AHY stated. “One must not divide the nation, nor discredit as if everything is wrong. But when something is indeed correct and represents the people’s aspirations, the government also listens and must be willing to conduct evaluations,” he continued. AHY believes that oversight and balance are also important and necessary in a democratic country. He entrusted a message to the Head of the Democratic Party Faction, Eddhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, to oversee matters from the DPR. “Checks and balances are also a necessity in a democracy, whatever the political choice or electoral regime. With that, I also entrust a message, as it happens the Head of the Democratic Party Faction in the DPR RI and colleagues currently in parliament are here, let us continue to maintain this positive spirit,” AHY explained. “The Democrats today, together with the government of President Prabowo Subianto, certainly want to continue safeguarding and ensuring that the programmes and policies are truly for the people,” he added. PDIP DPP Chairman Deddy Sitorus previously responded to Golkar and the Democrats, who had questioned PDIP’s position as a balancing party. Deddy suspected there is an uncomfortable situation within the coalition, which is why PDIP’s position has been questioned lately. “Their attitude is indeed surprising. Do they really want PDIP to also have ministers in the cabinet so they can feel at ease because they lack confidence or something?” Deddy told reporters on Sunday. Deddy assessed that there is discomfort among the government coalition parties. He said there are indications that these parties want to pit PDIP against the people or the president. “Or do they also want PDIP to be in an unpleasant situation with them? I am starting to think that perhaps there is a problem or discomfort within the coalition parties at the moment,” Deddy said. “If you are uncomfortable, just leave the government, don’t create strange issues and drag PDIP into it. Is it really the intention of these parties to pit PDIP against the people and/or against the government or the President?” he added.