PDIP Tells Coalition Parties to Stop 'Sniping': Focus on Work, Don't Look for Scapegoats

Jakarta – The Chair of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Central Executive Board, Deddy Yevri Sitorus, has highlighted the behaviour of political parties that have been questioning his party’s role as a government balancer. He believes these parties should respect PDIP’s political path.

“I have been carefully observing the recent statements from a number of political parties that question PDI Perjuangan’s position as a balancing party. Some mention a ‘two-legged’ politics, others ask us to be firm about being inside or outside the government. I see the attitude of these parties as truly astonishing and out of place,” Deddy Sitorus said in a written statement on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

He stressed that PDIP is outside the cabinet of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. However, PDIP continues to oversee all policies through the mechanisms of the House of Representatives (DPR). According to him, the political path taken by PDIP is in accordance with the mandate of the party’s national working meeting (Rakernas) some time ago.

“Indonesia’s constitutional system does not formally recognise an opposition. What exists are parties inside the government and parties outside the government. PDIP has clearly stated our position outside the cabinet, but we continue to carry out constitutional oversight functions through the DPR mechanism. This is not an ambiguous stance; it is a mandate from the party’s Rakernas that we have consistently implemented,” he stated.

However, Deddy Sitorus admitted he was baffled that several political parties within the government coalition always make PDIP a ‘scapegoat’.

“What really needs to be questioned is why these parties are so worried about the existence of PDI Perjuangan? Is it because of a lack of self-confidence? Or is there internal turmoil within the coalition that makes them look for a scapegoat?” he asked.

He asserted that political parties that do not wish to be in the government should not drag PDIP into the matter by creating issues he considers nonsensical.

“If there is a party that is uncomfortable with the current political situation, please leave the government. There is no need to create strange issues and drag PDI Perjuangan into them. This is not an elegant way of conducting politics,” said Deddy Sitorus.

“I would like to remind everyone that during the eras of President SBY and Jokowi, PDI Perjuangan never questioned the position of any party that entered or did not enter the cabinet. We respected each party’s political choices. Why is it that now coalition parties are busy meddling in PDI Perjuangan’s internal affairs? This is not their right and it is unethical,” he added.