PDIP Hits Back at Golkar's Taunts, Denies 'Addiction to Power'

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has responded to taunts from the Golkar Party, which questioned its political stance as a balancing force outside the government cabinet. PDIP Central Executive Board Chairman Deddy Yevri Sitorus suggested Golkar should not interfere in the internal affairs of other parties, let alone question their political positions. He stated that PDIP is not like Golkar, which seeks to remain in power whether it wins or loses.

According to him, PDIP is not addicted to power, as if the party would die or fail to develop without it. ‘PDI Perjuangan is not a party like Golkar that, whether it wins or loses, still wants to be in power. We do not have a talent for being addicted to power, as if without power we would die or not develop,’ Deddy said in a statement on Saturday (20/6).

The member of the House of Representatives Commission on political and governmental affairs understands that being in power is very profitable. However, he admitted he is confused as to why there are parties who sneer at PDIP for choosing to remain outside the government. Nevertheless, he stated that PDIP respects the decision of every party that chooses to join the government, and Golkar should show the same respect.

‘We respect the parties in government, and it is only proper that Golkar also shows the same attitude towards those outside the government,’ he said. Deddy emphasised that PDIP’s political stance as a balancing force is demonstrated through its checks and balances function. He argued that with the majority of parliamentary seats dominated by pro-government parties, it is difficult to imagine them remaining critical. In such conditions, Deddy assessed that the current function of parliament is no different from the political situation during the New Order era.

‘If all factions in the DPR can only obey and agree with the executive, what is the difference with the New Order era? Is the DPR still needed?’ he said.

Golkar Party Secretary-General Muhammad Sarmuji had previously questioned PDIP’s political stance as a balancing force. He said his party respects the political stance that PDIP leaders call a balancing force, but admitted he does not understand the meaning of such a position. He stated he would not interfere and would let the public judge. ‘So far, what exactly is being balanced? The people will judge,’ Sarmuji said.