Coalition Parties Respond as Prabowo Claims PDIP Shares Government's Heart

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) shares the same heart as his government, even though it remains outside the ruling coalition. Speaking at the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in Jakarta on Thursday night, Prabowo said that competition and temporary separation in politics are normal. “PDIP actually has the same heart as us, really, check it, dig into their hearts. It is actually the same,” he said, referencing the 1945 Constitution formulated by the nation’s founders, including Sukarno, who is closely associated with PDIP.

Responding to the remarks, PDIP executive Ganjar Pranowo agreed that all political forces share a responsibility to uphold the constitution, but stressed that this does not mean all parties must join the government. “In a democratic system, the division of roles between the government and balancing forces is a healthy mechanism to ensure checks and balances function and power does not become absolute,” Ganjar said on Friday.

Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong explained that Prabowo believes all parties, whether inside or outside the government, share the goal of building the nation and ensuring public welfare. He noted that Prabowo’s reference to the thoughts of Sukarno and Hatta underscored a shared commitment to national independence and prosperity. “When he said PDIP is truly of one heart with the government, he meant there is a shared aspiration to maintain the unity of the Republic of Indonesia, strengthen sovereignty, and bring prosperity to all Indonesian people,” Bahtra stated.

PKB politician Daniel Johan described Prabowo’s statement as reflecting a true democrat, emphasising that differences in opinion are normal in a democracy but national interests must remain the common ground. Similarly, National Mandate Party (PAN) deputy chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay agreed with Prabowo, noting that the government has so far run smoothly and that criticism from outside the coalition can be a form of constructive support.