Gerindra: Thanks to PDIP Demonstrates Prabowo Respects the Opposition

Yesterday’s presidential speech demonstrated a very strong quality of statesmanship. He not only respected the opposition, but openly acknowledged that democracy requires checks and balances. This was a highly democratic and constitutional statement, and should serve as an example for national leaders, Bahtra told reporters on Thursday (21/05/2026). According to Bahtra, an authoritarian leader would not openly accord respect to parties outside government. Moreover, he said, to appreciate the opposition’s role as an important part of safeguarding democracy. ‘If there is a leader who is anti-democracy, the opposition is usually seen as a threat. But President Prabowo instead stated that the existence of PDIP outside government deserves respect. It means he understands that democracy does not have to be uniform, not everyone has to be in government,’ he explained. Bahtra also assessed that Prabowo’s statement to Megawati shows a leadership character that is mature, humble, and prioritises national reconciliation over political rivalries. ‘Mr Prabowo shows that political differences do not erase respect and national brotherhood. Moreover, the two share a strong friendship history. That means he teaches that politics must be conducted with ethics, respect, and a generous spirit,’ he said. Furthermore, Bahtra stressed that the public should view President Prabowo objectively based on his actions and leadership today, not be trapped in old political stigmas constructed by certain quarters. ‘President Prabowo demonstrates inclusive leadership, openness to criticism, respect for the opposition, and a priority on national unity. That is the essence of democracy,’ he asserted. He then noted that Prabowo is pursuing national consolidation to realise the national economic agenda. ‘Big targets such as food self-sufficiency, downstream processing, industrialisation, and economic growth require political stability and harmony among national leaders even if their political views differ,’ he added. In front of members of MPR/DPR/DPD, President Prabowo Subianto expressed thanks to PDIP as a parliamentary party now outside government. Prabowo regards PDIP’s political position as a sacrifice. Prabowo’s thanks to PDIP were delivered as he closed his government-view speech on the macro and fiscal outlook for 2027 at the Parliament complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20/5/2026). Prabowo initially appreciated the time given by parliament to present government views. He acknowledged that not all factions in the DPR are part of his government. Only one faction in the DPR is outside the coalition, namely PDIP; Prabowo appreciated PDIP’s political position. ‘Indeed, not all parties here are part of the government, and I respect and value that; our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand that PDIP sacrifices to be outside the government,’ he said. For that political position, Prabowo thanked PDIP. Although he desires cooperation with all parties, he believes a balancing party in parliament is necessary. ‘I understand that; actually I would like to thank PDIP. You have served our democracy; indeed, what I want is mutual cooperation. If all parties were in government, how wonderful it would be for me, but perhaps that would not be good; every leader must be willing to be criticised,’ he added during a meeting chaired by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani.