Democrat Party to PDIP: Show a Firm Stance, Whether Outside or Inside Government

The spokesperson and Head of the Democrat Party’s Strategic Communication Agency, Herzaky Mahendra Putra, stated that PDIP’s current position still appears unclear. “For the Democrat Party itself, and for the public, the issue is not actually about supporting or not supporting the government, but PDIP’s stance towards the administration,” Herzaky told reporters in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (20/6/2026). “The most important thing is how this can truly be communicated to the public—whether its stance is supportive or not. That is one point. The second is the implementation,” he continued.

Herzaky then compared the situation to the Democrat Party’s own experience of being outside the government for nine years. According to him, a political position must be stated openly so the public is not confused. “The Democrat Party has experience being outside the government for nine years, and we took a firm and clear stance. We delivered criticism, and we were also firm in that position,” Herzaky said. He noted that many parties are questioning PDIP’s current position, though his party respects PDIP’s decision. “But again, the important point is to just show a firm stance. Whether today they are outside or inside the government,” he added.

Herzaky emphasised that a political stance is insufficient if only conveyed through statements; it must also be visible in concrete actions. “Not just in the form of statements, but also in how, when we talk about it, it is not merely a stance of support or opposition, but the communication to the public must also be clear,” Herzaky stressed. “The second point is the daily implementation, whether in parliament or on issues that are of public concern today.” He believes many currently view PDIP’s stance as a grey area and stressed that clarity of political position is vital for the public. “The public cannot clearly see who is actually in the government today, and then, who the balancing force really is,” he stated. “This is what we see today as still not being clear. Many colleagues are also asking, ‘So, are they actually inside or outside?’ This has become a big question.” He concluded that the most important aspect is not about support or opposition, but that the communication must be firm and clear, and its implementation must also be clarified.

Previously, PKB faction chairman Jazilul Fawaid had asked PDIP to take a firm stance regarding its position towards President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Jazilul said an unclear stance could create a confusing impression. “I hope they will just take a firm stance. If they are in the opposition, be the opposition. Don’t be grey. Because we are all fighting hard to realise what the President promised. All the programmes have been arranged,” Jazilul said at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (18/6). Meanwhile, PDIP DPP chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira responded to Jazilul’s statement by asserting that his party is a balancing force outside the government. “A balancing party outside the government,” Andreas told reporters on Friday (19/6). “That is the decision of the party congress,” he added.