PDIP Praises Prabowo's Honesty, Says It Will Not Judge the Winner's Political Background in Projects

President Prabowo Subianto recounts the role of PDIP chairwoman and fifth President Megawati Sukarnoputri, who used to help him with economic matters when he was not yet in power. PDIP politician Guntur Romli praised Prabowo’s honesty in the same way as Megawati, who does not look at the political background of the project winner.

“We appreciate the honesty and leadership of Mr Prabowo, who now applies the same principle: not looking at political background, but whether the process is fair and proper. That demonstrates a noble national spirit, above partisan interests,” Guntur told reporters on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

Guntur described Megawati as a figure who consistently enforces regulations and laws. He said Megawati would not intervene in any process. “If the company that wins a tender complies with regulations and feasibility, then Ibu Megawati will not cancel it,” he added.

Guntur also expressed appreciation for Prabowo’s thanks to PDIP for choosing to stand outside the government. He confirmed Prabowo’s remarks. “PDIP indeed sacrifices by remaining outside the governing coalition. Not because we reject cooperation, but because we want to fulfil our constitutional role as a healthy check and balance for democracy. This is also the stance adopted in the 2024 Rakernas V and the 2025 Congress VI,” he continued.

Guntur said PDIP respects Prabowo’s statesmanship in recognising that constructive criticism and oversight are needed for the government to function better. “PDIP will continue to play that role responsibly for the people and the nation,” he explained.

Similar remarks were made by PDIP veteran Hendrawan Supratikno. He thanked Prabowo for appreciating PDIP’s choice to operate outside the government. “This shows the President deeply understands how the Presidential system and the gotong royong democracy operate,” Hendrawan said.

Hendrawan noted that Megawati always reminds cadres to base their criticisms on data, facts, and empirical evidence rather than speaking without a solid argument. “The culture of mutual aid between Megawati and Prabowo shows the spirit of togetherness among statesmen who are capable of governance. Statesmen think of the greater good,” he said.

It is known that while delivering a speech at the plenary session of the DPR RI at Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday 20 May 2026, Prabowo admitted Megawati’s help to him in the economy. Prabowo initially said there were ministers who sought guidance from him because the party with PDIP background won the project. He said he asked his ministers not to make an issue of it. “In government there are many facilities, but ask: I always say, ministers ask for guidance, ‘Sir, what about this, there is a project, there is a tender, but this is backed by PDIP’, ‘Right? Ministers, is that right?’ But what is my answer? There is no problem, if he wins, he wins; let us not look at the background,” he said.

He said he did this because Megawati had done the same when in power. He said he was assisted in the economy by Megawati.

“Relax, because when I was not in power, Ibu Mega also helped me in the economy. No, I want to be open: I was not in power at the time, i.e., I was adrift; Ibu Megawati Sukarnoputri intervened, saying ‘if Prabowo wins the tender, do not interfere, continue’. I am now following her example,” he said.

At the same time, Prabowo also expressed special thanks to the PDIP for choosing to work outside the government. Only one DPR faction is outside the coalition, namely PDIP; Prabowo respected the PDIP political position.

“Indeed not all parties here are part of the government, and I respect and value that. Our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand that PDIP sacrifices by remaining outside the government,” he said.

Because of that political stance, Prabowo thanked PDIP. Although he would like to work with all parties, there needs to be a balancing party in parliament.

“I understand that; in fact I want to thank PDIP. You have contributed to our democracy; I would like to work in concert. If all parties were in government, that would be very sweet for me, but perhaps not good; every leader must be willing to be criticised,” he added.