BRIN Researcher: PDIP's Position Must Not Be Ambiguous

National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) political researcher Lili Romli has responded to the debate between the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) regarding their position in the government. He stated that any party must be clear about its stance. “Join or become the opposition, there should be no half-measures,” he said when contacted on Friday, 19 June 2026.

Previously, news circulated about the involvement of PDIP politician Andi Widjajanto in a student demonstration at the Bundaran HI in Jakarta on Friday, 12 June 2026. Responding to this, PKB Deputy Chairman Jazilul Fawaid asked PDIP to clarify its position in the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Lili assessed that Jazilul’s statement had merit. PDIP must be clear whether it is a supporter or the opposition. “Indeed, it cannot be ambiguous,” he said.

According to Lili, Jazilul’s statement arose from observing PDIP’s attitude of supporting the government despite not joining the cabinet. On the other hand, there are PDIP cadres who participate in demonstrations. “So it is considered a form of not supporting the government,” he said.

He argued that the existence of an opposition party is important. Besides acting as a watchdog, an opposition party functions to protect and safeguard democracy. “So that it is not hijacked and misused. Without an opposition party, democracy can be buried,” he said.

PKB Deputy Chairman Jazilul Fawaid previously assessed that PDIP’s political position remains ambiguous. Jazilul urged PDIP to confirm its position in the government.

According to him, PDIP’s claim to be a balancing party to the government also lacks clarity. “Because so far there is an impression that its position here and there is unclear. What kind of balancing act it is, we don’t know,” Jazilul said at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

The member of House Commission III assessed that PDIP’s unclear stance has negative consequences for government programmes. He argued that ensuring the success of Prabowo’s programmes requires unity, and the coalition parties are currently working to fulfil the head of state’s promises.

Meanwhile, PDIP’s attitude is seen as potentially hindering efforts to realise the Red and White Cabinet’s programmes. He therefore urged PDIP to openly confirm its position.

Responding to this, PDIP Central Executive Board Chairman for Executive Election Victories, Deddy Yevri Hanteru Sitorus, stated that PDIP’s stance and position are organisational decisions ratified and agreed upon at the party congress and national working meeting. Furthermore, the position of a balancing party also stems from the decision of PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri as the holder of the prerogative mandate. “So cadres from other parties cannot arbitrarily demand that we do anything. Who does he think he is?” he said when contacted on Thursday, 18 June 2026.