PKB: Indonesia's Political System Has No Opposition or Balancing Parties

The chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Jazilul Fawaid, has stressed that Indonesia’s political system does not recognise the terms opposition and balancing party. Jazilul made the statement in response to remarks by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) regarding its role as a balancing party. “What is clear is that in our political practice, it is not recognised—I understand very well that there is no opposition. It does not exist in the constitution. But there is also no balancing party. It is not recognised in our system,” Jazilul told reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, 22 June 2026. Jazilul considers a political party’s firm stance to be very important. According to him, political parties and the DPR RI must maintain cohesiveness in responding to the government’s work. However, he acknowledged that not all government programmes run perfectly. Nevertheless, all elements, including political parties, can demonstrate solidarity towards government policies. “So that what we are working on today, what the government is working on today, receives solidarity and cohesiveness in the DPR, in political parties, and in the government. Because not all of the programmes being implemented are perfect,” Jazilul said. “What must be perfect today, in my opinion, is solidarity and unity. Because the public wants the promises and programmes conveyed by the President to be realised,” he continued. Jazilul stressed that he was not cornering any political party. He was merely responding to President Prabowo Subianto’s message to realise the government’s vision and mission. “Therefore, in my opinion, the important thing is that we maintain togetherness and cohesiveness wherever we stand. We are not debating whether we are cornering another party or not. This is simply conveying the message that President Prabowo and the government are working hard to complete and realise their vision and mission,” he said. Previously, PDI-P Central Executive Board chairman Deddy Yevri Sitorus had highlighted political parties that commented on his party’s role as a balancing force to the government. He believed that other parties should respect PDI-P’s political path.