PDIP on Prabowo's Intention to Discipline Critics: A Risk of the People's Choice

President Prabowo Subianto intends to discipline observers who criticise his government’s performance. In response, PDI Struggle (PDIP) party chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira stated that this represents a risk faced by those who elected Prabowo to the presidency, suggesting that as President, he may feel empowered to take action against those whose views diverge from his.

“This is a risk that the people who voted for Prabowo must face, as the President may feel he can take whatever action he deems necessary against those whose thinking does not align with his, hence the need to discipline them,” Andreas told journalists on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Andreas emphasised that PDIP actually hopes the current government successfully executes its programmes. He stressed that if Prabowo considers certain parties to be critical of the government, that assessment is entirely Prabowo’s prerogative.

“PDIP would be pleased if this government succeeded in creating employment opportunities, ensuring the availability of food and clothing for the people, and making healthcare and education for young people affordable,” he stated.

“If there are those whom the President believes are critical, that is the President’s view,” he added.

Previously, Prabowo stated that certain observers appear unhappy with his government’s successes, feeling they have lost out under his administration. Prabowo made these remarks while chairing a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March, responding to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa’s remarks noting that some parties claim Indonesia’s economy is in crisis.

“There are various types of observers, and in my view, some observers are unhappy with their own government’s success for various reasons. However, I believe their attitude is narrow-minded and lacks patriotic spirit,” Prabowo said.