PDIP Praised by Prabowo for Criticism: Democracy Requires Checks and Balances

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has affirmed that democracy requires checks and balances in response to President Prabowo Subianto’s appreciation of the party’s role in performing this function.

“Various criticisms as a balancing party have been acknowledged as important, even appreciated by President Prabowo, who stated that democracy indeed requires checks and balances, which is precisely what PDI-P fulfils as a balancing party,” said PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto during the Pancasila Birth Anniversary ceremony at the At-Taufiq Mosque courtyard of the PDI-P Party School in South Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

“In a press statement, we affirm that President Prabowo’s remarks during the parliamentary session must be upheld by all law enforcement agencies to prevent further suppression of critical voices,” Hasto said.

“Critical thinking is the political responsibility of every Indonesian citizen out of love for the homeland. Criticism cannot be met with repression,” he said.

“PDI-P’s name is the Indonesian Democratic Party. We must not forget that, from our experience when in government, criticism is vital in a democracy,” he added.

President Prabowo Subianto admitted often feeling pained by harsh criticism from PDI-P members outside the government.

This was stated by Prabowo during his speech at the DPR RI plenary session on the presentation of the Macroeconomic Framework and Fiscal Policy Outline (KEM-PPKF) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

“Sometimes at night before bed, my heart aches. The PDI-P members’ criticism is often very harsh,” Prabowo said.

Nevertheless, Prabowo acknowledged that PDI-P’s criticism is a vital part of the government oversight mechanism.

“Not all parties here are part of the government, and I respect and appreciate that. Our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand and acknowledge that PDI-P sacrifices by being outside the government,” Prabowo said.

The Gerindra Party chairman thanked PDI-P for contributing to safeguarding Indonesia’s democracy, stating, “I truly want to thank PDI-P. You have served our democracy.”