Dasco Reveals Prabowo's Gratitude to PDIP from the Bottom of His Heart

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad explained why President Prabowo Subianto thanked PDIP for being outside the government. He said the remark came from Prabowo’s heart.

‘The remark … yes, what was conveyed by the President, of course we know that earlier, and if we look at it, it indeed came from the deepest heart,’ Dasco told reporters at the Parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

He added that Prabowo valued PDIP’s stance in keeping democracy alive. Moreover, according to him, Prabowo wants a counterbalance in parliament.

‘The words and appreciation to PDIP chairman Megawati and to PDIP are sincere, and an expression of appreciation for what the President has said to energise democracy and for constructive criticism that PDIP colleagues in parliament have been offering during Prabowo’s government,’ said the Gerindra party’s acting chairman.

Prabowo was said to mention this when closing his address on the government’s macroeconomic and fiscal outlook for 2027 in the parliamentary complex. He appreciated the time given by parliament.

‘Fellow colleagues, thank you for the time given to me. Thank you for the honour accorded to me; once again, thank you for our cooperation,’ Prabowo said.

Prabowo later recognised that not all factions in the DPR are part of his government. Only one faction in the DPR sits outside the coalition, PDIP; Prabowo appreciated PDIP’s political position.

‘Not all parties here are part of the government, and I respect and understand that. Our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand and appreciate that PDIP sacrificed to be outside the government,’ he said.