PDIP and Government Coalition Trade Barbs over 'Balancer' Role

Political parties in President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s governing coalition have scrutinised PDIP’s political position, which the party describes as a ‘balancer’ outside the government. PDIP has questioned the coalition parties’ focus, suspecting there is unease within the government alliance.

The scrutiny from the pro-government coalition was initiated by a statement from PKB faction chairman in the House of Representatives, Jazilul Fawaid, who assessed PDIP’s stance in national politics as ambiguous. Similar sentiments were echoed by the spokesperson and head of the Democratic Party’s Strategic Communication Agency, Herzaky Mahendra Putra, who felt PDIP’s position still lacked firmness.

‘For the Democratic Party itself, we think it is actually not a problem for the public, the issue of supporting or not supporting the government, PDIP’s attitude towards the administration,’ Herzaky told reporters in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (20/6). ‘But the most important thing is how that can truly be communicated to the public, whether its stance is supporting or not supporting. That is one thing. The second is how it is implemented,’ he continued.

Herzaky compared the situation to the Democratic Party’s own experience of being outside the government for nine years under the seventh President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). He argued that a political position must be stated openly so the public is not confused. ‘The Democratic Party has experience being outside the government for nine years previously, and we took a firm and clear stance. We delivered criticism, and we were also firm in that position,’ Herzaky stated. He noted that many parties are questioning PDIP’s current position, though his party respects PDIP’s decision. ‘But again, the important point is to just show a firm stance. Whether today they are outside or inside,’ he added.

From another coalition party, PKS Secretary General M Kholid also assessed that being inside or outside the government is equally important and needed. Kholid said that if PDIP chooses to remain outside the government, it is a constitutional choice and good for democracy. ‘If PDIP chooses to be outside the government, that is a legitimate, constitutional choice and also good for our democracy because it further strengthens the checks and balances function in parliament,’ Kholid told reporters on Saturday (20/6). Kholid revealed his party had also spent 10 years outside the government during the Jokowi era. The PKS legislator said PKS has now chosen to join the government coalition. ‘PKS itself once chose to be outside the government for 10 years during President Jokowi’s tenure when PDIP led the administration. And now, we choose to be inside the government, supporting the success of President Prabowo’s administration,’ he said.

Still from within the government coalition, Golkar Party’s Head of Economic Affairs, Mukhamad Misbakhun, said he respects the criticism from PDIP politicians towards the government. However, Misbakhun has not found substantive and solution-oriented elements in the various criticisms delivered by PDIP politicians. ‘PDIP has long experience in operating government and state policy. Therefore, the criticism delivered should be more mature, proportional, and solution-oriented, not adding heat to the situation,’ Misbakhun told reporters on Sunday (21/6).

Furthermore, Misbakhun assessed that although Indonesia’s constitutional system does not formally recognise an opposition, every political party should still demonstrate a clear and consistent position. He argued that parties should not play a ‘two-legged’ game, deciding to be both inside and outside power. Misbakhun stressed it is unseemly for a political party to enjoy appreciation when government policies are well-received by the public, but then hastily distance itself when the government faces difficult and unpopular policies. He described such ambiguous political behaviour as not a good practice in politics.

‘Do not position yourself as a balancer, but when a good government programme is appreciated, you also want to score points. Conversely, you immediately criticise harshly when a government programme is facing problems. That two-legged political position is not elegant,’ Misbakhun added. The chairman of House Commission XI believes the public does not want to see ambiguous political stances. According to Misbakhun, clarity of political stance is also part of democratic education. ‘Please have different views and give criticism, but do not let the public perceive an ambiguity in political stance. Consistency is far more educational for the people than a stance that changes with the situation,’ Misbakhun said. Nonetheless, Misbakhun encouraged all political parties to prioritise collaborative politics, arguing that current problems cannot be solved by blaming each other and require contributions of ideas from all political forces.

‘Let us cool the atmosphere together. The task of all political elites is to set an example, present solutions, and place the interests of the nation and state above momentary political interests. Politics with a national outlook where national interest values must be prioritised over practical populist political interests,’ Misbakhun stated.

PDIP Suspects Problems Within the Government Coalition

PDIP Central Board Chairman Deddy Sitorus responded to Golkar and the Democratic Party’s questioning of PDIP’s position as a balancing party. Deddy instead suspected there is an uncomfortable situation within the coalition itself, which is why PDIP’s position has been questioned lately. ‘Indeed, their attitude is surprising. Do they really want PDIP to also have ministers in the cabinet, so they only feel calm because they lack confidence or what?’ Deddy told reporters on Sunday (21/6). Deddy assessed there is discomfort among the government coalition parties and suspected indications that these parties want PDIP to join the cabinet.