Gerindra Explains Prabowo's Remark That PDIP Is 'Sehati' with the Government

Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong has responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s recent statement that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) is essentially ‘sehati’ (of one heart) with the government. Banong assessed that Prabowo believes all political parties, whether part of the governing coalition or outside it, share the same objective of building the nation and realising public welfare.

‘Pak Prabowo conveyed this because he is convinced that parties within the government coalition and those outside it, including PDIP, have the same goal, which is to build this nation so that prosperity for the people can be achieved. And so that the programmes designed by the government led by President Prabowo can be felt by all our people without exception,’ Banong told reporters on Sunday (26/7/2026).

Banong added that Prabowo, in his message, also referred to the thoughts of the nation’s founding fathers, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta. He stated that Prabowo is currently formulating strategic programmes for national self-sufficiency. ‘Moreover, Pak Prabowo took the example of what was formulated by Bung Karno and Bung Hatta as enshrined in the 1945 Constitution. Especially regarding national self-sufficiency and people’s welfare, and that is also what President Prabowo’s administration is fighting for and implementing. These programmes are being executed at this time,’ he continued.

According to Banong, Prabowo’s remark that PDIP is ‘sehati’ with the government signifies a shared aspiration for progress. He stressed that political differences should not become an obstacle to prioritising the national interest. ‘When he said that PDIP is essentially of one heart with the government, what he meant is that there is a common aspiration to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, strengthen national sovereignty, and bring prosperity to all Indonesian people,’ Banong explained. ‘Differences in political choices are part of democracy, but commitment to the national interest must remain the common ground for all the nation’s children.’

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto spoke about the condition of the political coalition under his administration, including the stance of PDIP. Prabowo stated that PDIP actually shares the same heart as he does. ‘So, brothers and sisters, competing is good. Contending is good. Sometimes we part ways, that is not a problem. Later we will join again,’ Prabowo said during his speech at the 28th Anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC), Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday evening (23/7/2026). ‘PDIP, in truth, has the same heart as us, really. Try to check, dig into their hearts. It is actually the same,’ he said.