PAN Responds to Surya Paloh: The Reality Is Prabowo Is Not Anti-Criticism

National Mandate Party (PAN) Deputy Chairman Viva Yoga has responded to NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh’s statement that the government is on the right track but would face serious problems if it refused to accept corrections. Viva asserted that President Prabowo Subianto is not anti-criticism.

Viva initially noted that Surya Paloh did not actually say Prabowo was anti-criticism. He interpreted Paloh’s remarks as a normative statement that the government is on the right path.

‘Mr Surya Paloh’s statement is just normative language; he did not say the government is anti-criticism, but rather stated that the government is on the right track as long as it remains open to criticism and correction,’ Viva said when contacted on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

Viva stated that the reality reflects this sentiment. He mentioned that Prabowo consistently values criticism as a strong medicine to ensure the government functions healthily.

‘In empirical reality, President Prabowo often says that the government is not anti-criticism. In fact, criticism is a strong medicine to keep the government healthy, and the checks and balances mechanism operates so that democracy aligns with the constitution,’ he said.

Furthermore, Viva stated that the government adheres to the principle that criticism is not a threat.

‘The government holds the principle that a good state is one that always strives for the common good through policies generated from the government’s willingness to listen to differing views. Constructive criticism is not a threat to the government, but rather a mechanism for policy refinement,’ he explained.

Surya Paloh’s Statement

Previously, Surya Paloh had commented on various current government policies. He assessed that the government remains on the right track as long as it is willing to accept corrections.

Paloh initially spoke about NasDem’s position regarding government policy. He emphasised that NasDem, as part of the coalition, must remain loyal.

‘First of all, I said that regarding all government policies, NasDem is part of the coalition, so we must be loyal in that regard,’ Paloh told reporters at the Mercure Hotel in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Paloh revealed he has several thoughts and corrections he wishes to convey to the government. However, he prefers to deliver them personally.

‘There may be thoughts that we need to contribute, which might not all be entirely appropriate or precise with what is currently understood,’ Paloh said. ‘But I think that is not for public consumption for the time being. I prefer to place my ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and views on a person-to-person basis to make corrections if necessary.’

He further assessed that the government is on the right track if it is willing to listen to criticism or input. Conversely, the situation would become dangerous if the government is no longer open to corrections.

‘Whatever it is, I think I still hold hope as long as corrections are continuously made. We are moving on the right track. However, if we no longer want to be corrected and do not want improvements, that is when it becomes dangerous,’ Paloh said.