Balancing Role Under Scrutiny, PDIP Suspects Discontent Within Government Coalition

The Chairperson of the PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board, Deddy Sitorus, has responded to criticisms from Golkar and Demokrat regarding PDIP’s position as a balancing party. Deddy suspects there is an uncomfortable situation within the internal coalition, which has led to PDIP’s position being questioned recently.

“Their attitude is indeed baffling. Do they really want PDI Perjuangan to have ministers in the cabinet so they can feel at ease due to a lack of confidence, or what?” Deddy told reporters on Sunday (2/6/2026).

Deddy believes there is discomfort among the parties within the government coalition. He noted indications that these parties may be attempting to pit PDIP against the people or the President.

“Or perhaps they want PDIP to be in an unpleasant situation with them. It makes me think that perhaps there are problems or discomfort within the current coalition parties,” said Deddy.

“If they are uncomfortable, they should just leave the government; do not create strange issues and drag PDI Perjuangan into it. Is it the intention of these parties to pit PDI Perjuangan against the people and/or the government or the President?” he added.

The member of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) urged other parties to focus solely on assisting President Prabowo’s ongoing administration. He stated that high concentration is required to resolve the people’s problems.

“I suggest those parties focus on assisting their ministers in the cabinet and truly perform their functions in the DPR. Matters regarding electricity, fuel, labour, social assistance, MSMEs, cooperatives, plantations, infrastructure, food, the economy, trade, and many other vital issues require the concentration of those who have placed their ministers in the cabinet,” he said.

Deddy referenced PDIP’s stance during the leadership eras of the 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and the 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), noting that they did not dispute the positions of other political parties. He viewed the current attitude of certain political parties as being in a state of confusion.

“Do not seek a scapegoat for their confusion. PDI Perjuangan has never disputed whether any party wants to join the cabinet or not. As happened during the eras of President SBY and Jokowi, there was no instance of PDIP questioning the position of other parties. Why are many parties acting like they are confused and stressed now?” he remarked.

He also urged Golkar and Demokrat to manage their own parties. Deddy viewed it as unethical to interfere with the internal affairs of PDIP, which is led by Megawati Soekarnoputri.

“Do not end up losing to new incoming parties. That would be better than managing the internal affairs of PDI Perjuangan. Not only do they have no right, but it is also unethical. If you are uncomfortable inside, just leave; why get angry at a party that does not want a position?” said Deddy.

“The election is still a long way off; it is better to focus on improving what is lacking. PDI Perjuangan also wants the government to succeed and fulfil its mandate according to the constitution,” he added.

Scrutiny from Demokrat and Golkar

Previously, the spokesperson and Head of the Strategic Communications Body of the Democratic Party, Herzaky Mahendra Putra, stated that PDIP’s current position does not yet appear firm. He questioned PDIP’s implementation of its stance.

“From the Democratic Party’s perspective, for the public, it does not matter whether they support or not support the government—PDIP’s attitude towards the government, whether supporting or not,” Herzaky told reporters in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (20/6/2026).

“But the most important thing is how it can be truly communicated to the public—whether the stance is supporting or not. Secondly, how it is implemented,” he continued.

Herzaky then compared this to the Democratic Party’s experience, having been outside the government for nine years. He argued that a political position must be stated openly so the public is not confused.

“The Democratic Party has experience being outside the government for 9 years, and we took a firm and clear stance. We expressed criticism, and we were firm in that regard,” said Herzaky.

He noted that many parties are wondering about PDIP’s current position, though his party respects PDIP’s decision.

“But again, the important point is to show a firm stance. Whether today they are outside, or whether today they are inside,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Economic Division of the Golkar Party, Mukhamad Misbakhun, invited all political elites and parties to demonstrate maturity in responding to recent national dynamics. According to him, political elites should avoid actions or incitements that have the potential to heat up the situation.

“Criticism is important in a democracy so that the government continues to hear the aspirations of the people. However, in a situation where the nation is facing pressure due to current geopolitical situations, criticism should be delivered responsibly, not in a way that makes the situation more heated. There needs to be a call for more cooling of the atmosphere so that it settles,” said Misbakhun to reporters on Sunday (21/6/2026).

Specifically, Misbakhun responded to the reactions of some PDIP elites to political dynamics and recent waves of public protest. Misbakhun claimed to respect the criticisms made by PDIP politicians towards the government.

However, Misbakhun noted that he has yet to find anything substantive or solution-oriented in the various criticisms presented by PDIP politicians. He expressed regret, noting that PDIP once held power and had experience managing complex issues.

“PDI Perjuangan has long experience in operationalising the government and state policies. Therefore, the criticism presented should be more mature, proportional, and solution-oriented, rather than merely adding heat to the situation,” said Misbakhun.

Furthermore, Misbakhun stated that although the Indonesian constitutional system does not recognise an opposition as…