PDIP Applauds President Prabowo's Praise: Opposition as a Check and Balance

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has welcomed the praise delivered by President Prabowo Subianto in the DPR plenary meeting. PDIP reaffirmed its commitment to remain outside the government or the opposition to perform its function of checks and balances.

Andreas Hugo Pareira, head of Membership and Organisation for the PDIP Central Executive Board, expressed thanks for the president’s recognition of his party’s political role. He said that PDIP’s position as opposition is a rational step to safeguard democracy. “Yes, thank you Mr President for the praise, and indeed PDIP should be outside (the government),” said Andreas at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20/5).

Andreas, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII of the DPR, explained that the criticisms PDIP has voiced are intended to provide an alternative perspective for the government. He emphasised that the criticisms are not driven by personal sentiment but by rationality in viewing the nation’s conditions.

“Those criticisms are well-intentioned and that is what we have been doing. Criticism is necessary so the President can hear other views. This is not about feelings, but about rationality in assessing a situation,” he added.

In his address to more than 400 DPR members, President Prabowo Subianto specifically thanked PDIP. He said PDIP has “sacrificed” by being the only party in parliament outside the government in order to uphold democracy.

In the plenary session, Prabowo acknowledged that the existence of an opposition is crucial to ensure oversight of the executive. He respected PDIP’s decision to operate outside the governing coalition.

“Our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand, PDIP is sacrificing to be outside the government. I would like to thank PDIP. You have contributed to our democracy,” Prabowo stressed at Nusantara Building, on Wednesday.

The civil tone between the head of state and the opposition party sends a positive signal for national political stability, with differing political positions framed within the broader interest of democratically advancing Indonesia.

Prabowo even said he often feels hurt by the sharp criticisms voiced by PDIP cadres toward the government. He praised PDIP’s move as a form of political sacrifice to uphold the dignity of democracy, noting that being outside the government means foregoing various state facilities.

PRESIDENT Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) for choosing to stay outside the government or to be in opposition. He stressed that he is not anti-criticism; over time, he has come to realise that the criticisms are for the common good.

A recent Nusantara Research Indonesia (NRI) survey shows that the electability of national political parties is still led by the Gerindra Party, with a significant rise.

Prabowo Subianto said that several countries, including those wealthier economically than Indonesia, have come to request assistance for commodities from Indonesia.

Prabowo reaffirmed the budget (APBN) as a tool for the nation’s struggle to strengthen the economy and to distribute prosperity to the Indonesian people.

Prabowo stressed his appreciation of PDIP for choosing to stay outside the government or to be in opposition, and highlighted concerns about the substantial leakage of state wealth, which he sees as a root cause of Indonesia’s economic problems.

He underscored his commitment to building a clean and professional government by accelerating bureaucratic reform and eradicating corruption.