Discussing PDIP's Move to Opposition, Prabowo: Thank You for the Oversight, Comrades
President Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) for choosing to operate outside the government or to be in opposition, describing it as a tangible contribution to safeguarding the dignity of democracy. He delivered the remarks during the 19th Plenary Session of the DPR RI in the Fifth Session of the 2025-2026 Parliamentary Year at the Nusantara Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
“Not all parties here are part of the government. And I respect and value that. Our democracy needs check and balances. I understand that PDIP sacrifices to stay outside the government. I understand that. Actually, I would like to thank PDIP. You have contributed to our democracy,” he said.
President Prabowo affirmed that the existence of political forces outside the executive is crucial to ensure the wheels of government stay on the right track. He stated that every leader at any level must be willing to accept criticism from outside. “Every leader must be willing to be criticised; every executive must be supervised. Thank you for the oversight, comrades,” he concluded.
Prabowo admitted that he would prefer all political parties in Indonesia to merge and work together within the government. However, he recognises that such a situation would not be healthy for democracy that requires oversight and balance.
The president also noted that several countries, including those economically wealthier than Indonesia, have come to seek commodities from the country.
He emphasised that the national budget (APBN) is a tool of national endeavour to strengthen the economy and to distribute welfare across Indonesian society.
Prabowo highlighted the extent of leakage of state wealth that is seen as a root cause of Indonesia’s economic problems and pledged to build a clean, professional government by accelerating bureaucratic reform and stamping out corruption.
He stressed that he is not anti-criticism; over time he has come to realise that criticism is for the common good.