PDIP Called 'Grey', PKS Recalls 10 Years in Opposition During Jokowi Era

PKS Secretary-General M Kholid has commented on the notion that PDIP holds a ‘grey’ position, stating that being inside or outside government is equally important and necessary. “We respect every party’s political choice. In a democratic country, the existence of parties both inside and outside government is equally important and equally needed,” Kholid said when contacted on Saturday (20/6/2026). Kholid stated that if PDIP chooses to remain outside the government, it is a constitutional choice. He also said that choice is good for democracy. “If PDI Perjuangan chooses to be outside the government, it is a legitimate, constitutional choice and also good for our democracy because it further strengthens the checks and balances function in parliament,” he said. Furthermore, Kholid revealed that his own party had spent 10 years outside the government during the era of Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). He 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 government. And now, we choose to be inside the government, supporting the success of President Prabowo’s administration,” he said. Previously, PKB faction chairman in the DPR, Jazilul Fawaid, urged PDIP to take a firm stance regarding its position towards President Prabowo Subianto’s government. Jazilul said an unclear attitude could create a confusing impression. “I hope they take a firm stance. If in opposition, be opposition. Don’t be grey. Because we are all fighting hard to realise what the President promised. All programmes have been arranged,” Jazilul said at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (18/6). Jazilul was responding to questions from journalists about the alleged participation of Andi Widjajanto in a protest several days earlier. Meanwhile, PDIP DPP chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira responded to Jazilul’s statement asking PDIP to be firm about its position towards the Prabowo government. Andreas asserted that his party is a balancing force outside the government. “A balancing party outside the government,” Andreas told journalists on Friday (19/6). “That is the decision of the party congress,” he added.