AHY Responds to PDIP's Political Stance: Criticism Must Offer Solutions

Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has addressed the position of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), which has been accused of practising ‘grey politics’. He was responding to journalists’ questions before a budget ceiling meeting between the Coordinating Ministry and the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee at the Parliamentary Complex on Monday, 22 June 2026.

AHY stated that the Democratic Party respects the political stance of all parties, as each has its own agenda and interests. However, he urged parties to place national interests above all else.

‘The Democratic Party certainly also has interests and goals, and we have been in opposition, we have been the ruling party, so it can be said that the Democratic Party has a complete set of experiences and track record,’ AHY said at the DPR RI complex in Jakarta on 22 June 2026.

According to AHY, a ruling party must ensure the government succeeds in fulfilling its campaign promises. However, he cautioned that if a party becomes the opposition, its criticism must be constructive and provide solutions. ‘It must not divide the nation, nor discredit as if everything is wrong,’ he stated.

He argued that an opposition party must convey the aspirations of the people. On the other hand, the government must listen and evaluate its policies. ‘Checks and balances are also necessitated in any democracy, regardless of political choices or electoral regime choices,’ AHY said.

Previously, coalition parties supporting President Prabowo Subianto had asked PDIP to clarify its position towards the government. The National Awakening Party (PKB), one of the government coalition parties, claimed PDIP was practising grey politics. PKB Deputy Chairman Jazilul Fawaid assessed that the ‘balancing party’ position PDIP has conveyed still shows ambiguity.

‘I hope PDIP will just take a firm stance. If in opposition, be opposition. Don’t be grey,’ Jazilul said at the House of Representatives building in Jakarta on Thursday, 18 June 2026. The member of House Commission III argued that PDIP’s unclear stance brings negative consequences for government programmes, as making Prabowo’s programmes successful requires unity and the coalition parties are currently striving to fulfil the Head of State’s promises. Meanwhile, PDIP’s stance is considered capable of hindering progress in realising the Red and White Cabinet’s programmes, prompting him to urge PDIP to assert its position in a chivalrous manner.

PDIP responded sharply to the request. PDIP Central Executive Board Chairman Deddy Sitorus questioned Jazilul Fawaid’s authority to comment on his party’s stance. Deddy stated that PDIP’s stance and position are organisational decisions ratified and agreed upon at the party’s congress and national working meetings. Furthermore, the balancing party position also stems from a decision by PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri as the holder of the prerogative mandate. ‘So cadres of other parties cannot arbitrarily pressure us to do anything. Who does he think he is?’ he said when contacted on Thursday, 18 June 2026.