PKS Says It Never Involved Itself in Projects While in Opposition During the Jokowi Era

The PKS head of the Elections and Local Elections Campaign Division, Mardani Ali Sera, spoke about the party’s stance during its ten-year opposition to President Joko Widodo’s administration. He said the party had never taken on any projects while in opposition.

Mardani first responded to remarks by President Prabowo Subianto who did not object to the background of the political party that won the project. He said decisions on government projects and tenders should be made professionally.

‘First, it is best that all projects are conducted professionally,’ Mardani told reporters on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

Mardani said political entities should not meddle in the development process. He argued that the involvement of political entities in a project could complicate the oversight and the imposition of sanctions for underperformance.

‘Third, bravo to the President for having the courage to reveal the processes behind the curtain,’ he added.

The Commission II member of the Indonesian House of Representatives said PKS, while in opposition, never participated in projects. He explained the reason: PKS wants to introduce a merit system and professional oversight of government and development.

‘PKS was not involved in projects. PKS wants professionalism and a merit-based system in the administration and development of government,’ Mardani said, outlining the reason for not taking on projects while in opposition.

Prabowo’s remarks

It is known that, while delivering a speech at the plenary meeting of the Indonesian House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday 20 May 2026, Prabowo admitted being helped by Megawati in the economic field. He said there had been ministers who asked him for guidance because the project-winning individuals bore the PDIP background.

‘In government there are many facilities, but ask; I always say, ministers seek guidance, ’Sir, how about this, Sir, there is a project, there is a tender, but behind it is PDIP,’ right? Come on, ministers, right? But what was my answer? My answer? No problem, if they win, they win—let’s not look at their background,’ Prabowo said.

He said he did so because Megawati had done the same when in power, and that he was assisted in the economic field by Megawati.

‘There is no need to worry, because when I was not in power, Madam Mega also helped me in the economy. No, I want to be transparent; I was not in power then, in effect I was adrift; Madam Megawati Soekarnoputri’s intervention said, ’if indeed Prabowo wins the tender, do not interfere, carry on.’ I am now following her example,’ he said.

In the same event, Prabowo also expressed special thanks to PDIP for choosing to operate outside the government. Only one faction in the DPR is outside the coalition, namely PDIP, and Prabowo respects PDIP’s 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 staying outside the government,’ he said.

As a result 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.

‘Yes, I understand that. In fact I want to thank PDIP. You have been instrumental to our democracy; my aim is to foster cooperation. If all parties were in government it would be much nicer for me, but perhaps that would not be good; every leader must be willing to be criticised,’ he added.