PDIP Told to Clarify Stance on Prabowo's Government, Deddy Sitorus Hits Back: 'Mind Your Own Party'

PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) DPP Chair Deddy Sitorus has hit back at National Awakening Party (PKB) faction leader Jazilul Fawaid, telling him to focus on managing his own party rather than meddling in PDIP’s internal affairs. The exchange follows Jazilul’s call for PDIP to take a clear stance on its position regarding President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

“It’s better for Jazilul to manage his own party instead of poking into others’. PDIP’s stance and position are decisions made through our congress, national working meetings, and the party chair,” Deddy told journalists on Thursday (18/6/2026).

Deddy argued that cadres from other parties have no authority to dictate PDIP’s political posture. He also criticised Jazilul’s use of the term ‘opposition’, explaining that the concept is specific to parliamentary systems and does not formally exist in Indonesia’s presidential system. “In Indonesia, we adhere to a presidential system where the ideological base is broadly uniform, Pancasila. The function of opposition in a parliamentary context translates here into checks and balances by the DPR,” he elaborated.

He asserted that PDIP’s position is already clear: the party is outside the government and will act as a balancing force, especially since the majority of parliamentary seats are held by parties within the ruling coalition. “Our position is firm. We are outside the government and serve as a counterbalance. What’s not clear about that?” Deddy questioned, suggesting Jazilul’s remarks might stem from a lack of understanding or an attempt to sow discord.

Earlier, Jazilul Fawaid had urged PDIP to take a definitive stance, stating that ambiguity was unhelpful while all parties were working hard to realise President Prabowo’s campaign promises. “I hope they take a firm stance. If they are in opposition, then be in opposition. Don’t be grey. We are all striving to fulfil the President’s promises, and all programmes are already in place,” Jazilul said at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (18/6/2026), responding to questions about the alleged involvement of PDIP figures in recent demonstrations. He stressed that clarity and solidarity are needed to ensure government programmes run according to target.