PDIP Cadres Respond After Prabowo Claims Their Hearts Align with the Government
A number of PDIP cadres have responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s statement that PDIP’s heart is the same as the government’s. One response came from PDIP Executive Board (DPP) Chairman Ganjar Pranowo. According to Ganjar, sharing the same aspirations does not mean the party must join the governing coalition.
“We agree that all political forces share the same responsibility to safeguard the nation, uphold the mandate of the 1945 Constitution and implement all prevailing laws and regulations in accordance with the oath of office. In that sense, our national spirit is certainly the same,” Ganjar told journalists on Friday (24/7/2026), quoted by detikNews.
“However, sharing the same aspirations does not mean that all parties must stand in one government line-up,” he added.
Ganjar then spoke about the democratic system. In his view, the government and parties that are not part of the ruling coalition provide a system of checks and balances. Ganjar also touched on the stance of the bull-emblem party, which has decided to act as a counterbalancing force.
“Indeed, in a democratic system, the division of roles between the government and counterbalancing forces is a healthy mechanism so that checks and balances function and power does not lose control, thereby avoiding absolute power,” he said.
Ganjar affirmed that PDIP’s position is not part of the Prabowo-Gibran governing coalition. Nevertheless, he said, PDIP still respects Prabowo.
“That is why PDIP Perjuangan’s position today is clear. We respect the President as head of government who has received the people’s mandate, but we will also consistently carry out our oversight function,” Ganjar added.
According to Ganjar, PDIP will offer criticism to ensure that policies remain on the side of the people. On the other hand, Ganjar noted that political dynamics in the future could change.
“The criticism we deliver is not meant to bring down the government, but to ensure that policies remain within the constitutional corridor and stand with the people. As for future political dynamics, let time provide the answer,” Ganjar said.
“What is certain is that PDIP Perjuangan’s political stance is not determined by the lure of power or positions, but by the interests of the people and the commitment to safeguard democracy,” he concluded.
Deddy Sitorus’s response
Meanwhile, PDIP DPP Chairman Deddy Sitorus also did not dispute Prabowo’s statement that PDIP shares many views with the government. He cited the aspiration of PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri to eradicate malnutrition as an example.
“For instance, for a long time PDIP Perjuangan and Ibu Megawati have consistently voiced and fought for the eradication of malnutrition and stunting among children and pregnant women. PDIP Perjuangan also cares deeply about education, a people-centred economy, poverty alleviation, rural development, food sovereignty, the empowerment of fishermen and coastal communities, and many other issues,” Deddy said.
Despite sharing the same vision, Deddy said PDIP remains outside the governing coalition. He stressed that PDIP will provide input to ensure government programmes hit their targets.
“Because all of these issues are vital, PDIP Perjuangan feels the need to continue offering advice and ideas to ensure that the various existing programmes run well, efficiently and effectively. And the best position to support these programmes will only be effective if PDIP Perjuangan stands outside the government as a counterbalancing force,” he said.
According to him, PDIP could not provide critical input on government policy programmes if it joined the cabinet. However, he continued, PDIP is also unlikely to be in total opposition. Deddy viewed the party’s stance as a counterbalancing force as a historical responsibility.
“On all good policies and programmes, we will always stand with the government. But on matters where we differ, we will always remind them and convey criticism,” he added.
As is known, President Prabowo Subianto had earlier spoken about the state of the political coalition during his administration, including PDIP’s stance. Prabowo believes that PDIP’s heart is actually the same as his.
“So, my brothers and sisters, competition is good. Contests are good. Sometimes we part ways, that is not a problem. In time, we will come together again,” Prabowo said in a speech at the th anniversary event of PKB at JCC Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday evening (23/7).
“PDIP’s heart is actually the same as ours. That’s right, try digging into their hearts. It is actually the same,” Prabowo added.