PKB Responds to PDIP: There Is No 'Balancing Party' in Our System

PKB Deputy Chairman Jazilul Fawaid concurred with the view that the term opposition does not exist in a presidential system, as previously stated by PDIP DPP Chairman Deddy Sitorus. However, Jazilul noted that the government and the DPR currently require solidarity and a firm stance from political parties.

“That is fine, no problem. What is clear is that in our political practice, it is also not recognised—I understand very well that there is no opposition. It is not in the constitution. But there is also no balancing party. It is not recognised in our system,” Jazilul said at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (22/6/2026).

Jazilul highlighted the importance of maintaining togetherness and cohesion. He said President Prabowo is striving to fulfil his vision and mission.

“Therefore, in my view, the important thing is that we maintain togetherness and cohesion, regardless of our positions. We are not engaging in polemics. This is merely conveying the message that President Prabowo and the government are working hard to complete and realise his vision and mission. That is all,” Jazilul stated.

“And to all party cadres and politicians, we are all certainly free to express our opinions. But what is more important than that is solidity and cohesion, because facing these heavy challenges requires everyone—any party, the public, political parties, community organisations, everyone, students—it requires that,” he continued.

He mentioned that the government, the president, and the DPR need solidity and firm cohesion. Jazilul admitted he was only conveying his view that PDIP should not be ambiguous.

“Well, I do not know about that matter, but at least we all know that the government, the President, and the DPR need solidity, cohesion, and a firm stance. That is roughly it, just that,” Jazilul expressed.

“Yes, I do not know about that because each party is independent. I am not a coordinator either; I am not a coordinator, so I do not understand that matter. I am only conveying what my view is. I think that is it,” he added.

PDIP DPP Chairman Deddy Sitorus had previously responded to PKB DPR RI Fraction Chairman Jazilul Fawaid’s request for PDIP to take a firm stance regarding its position towards President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Deddy asked Jazilul to focus more on managing his own party rather than meddling in PDIP’s internal affairs.

“It is better for Jazilul to manage his own party rather than minding other people’s business. The stance and position of PDI Perjuangan are organisational decisions made through the Congress, National Working Meeting, and the institution of the Chairperson as the holder of the prerogative mandate,” Deddy told reporters on Thursday (18/6/2026).

Deddy also criticised Jazilul’s use of the term opposition. According to him, the concept of opposition is more familiar in a parliamentary system of government, not a presidential one like Indonesia’s.

“Perhaps he needs to increase his literacy regarding government systems, especially concerning parliamentary versus presidential systems. The terminology of opposition is only known in parliamentary systems, which usually consist of two dominant party blocs with conflicting ideologies. So that when one party coalition wins the election, the other party coalition immediately becomes the opposition in parliament by forming a shadow cabinet,” he explained.