Golkar Questions PDIP's Political Stance: 'What Exactly Is Being Balanced?'

The Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Golkar Party has spoken out and taken a swipe at the political stance of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), which is perceived as ambiguous amidst a series of demonstrations and criticism of the government recently. Golkar Party Secretary-General Muhammad Sarmuji said his party respects PDIP’s political stance, which several of its senior figures have described as that of a balancing force. “It is up to PDIP. But when reading the comments of some PDIP figures, they position themselves as a balancer. We respect PDIP’s position as a balancer,” he said when contacted on Friday (19/6). Nevertheless, Sarmuji admitted he does not understand the meaning of that position. He said he would not interfere and would let the people judge it. “All this time, what exactly is being balanced? The people will judge later,” said Sarmuji. However, he added that this position could actually be read clearly if examined more closely. Sarmuji, though, admitted he did not want to interfere further. “The term ‘balancer’ itself can actually already be read by those who want to read it. There is no need to force it to be clear. Let us just respect it,” he said. The jibe at PDIP’s stance was previously delivered by PKB Deputy Chairman Jazilul Fawaid. He reminded PDIP to take a firm stance, meaning not to be ambiguous about its position in the government. Jazilul particularly highlighted the appearance of one of its leading cadres, former Lemhannas Governor Andi Widjajanto, at a student protest near the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout on Friday (12/6). “If you are in the opposition, be the opposition. Do not be ambiguous. Because we are all fighting hard to realise what the President has promised,” he said at the parliamentary complex yesterday.