Political Analyst: PKB's Push on PDIP Reflects Need for Firm Opposition Ahead of 2029

Pressure from several government coalition parties, particularly the National Awakening Party (PKB), for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) to clarify its position on President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is seen as inseparable from the need for a clearer political map ahead of the 2024 regional elections and the commencement of the 2029 General Election stages next year. Senior political researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Lili Romli, assesses that PDIP’s stance, which has so far claimed to be a ‘balancing party’ or ‘strategic partner’ of the government, still leaves ambiguity in the public eye. According to him, the position currently taken by PDIP does not yet demonstrate firmness as a political force outside the government. “The statement of position as a ‘balancing party’ or ‘strategic partner’ is considered not to have shown a firm stance. On the other hand, a party that is outside the government but still supports a number of government policies is often perceived by the public as being in a ‘grey’ position,” Lili told Media Indonesia on Monday. According to Lili, PDIP should take a clearer stance by positioning itself as an opposition party, as it did during the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. “I am of the opinion that PDIP should firmly declare itself as an opposition party, as it did during the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,” he explained. “At that time, PDIP clearly positioned itself in opposition to the government and consistently delivered sharp criticism of various policies deemed not to be in the interests of the people,” Lili continued. Furthermore, Lili assesses that until now PDIP appears to still be caught between two political choices: becoming the opposition or continuing to provide support to the government. This condition, according to him, creates uncertainty regarding the political direction of the party bearing the bull symbol. “Currently, PDIP’s position appears to be at a crossroads and seems ambiguous, between being an opposition party or a government supporter. This condition creates confusion in the public sphere about the actual political direction being taken by the party,” he said. He also emphasised that the presence of a strong and firm opposition is an important element in a democratic system. Therefore, the public needs PDIP to take a clear position so that the checks and balances function on the government can run more effectively. “The public essentially wants PDIP to take a firm stance as the opposition. This is important to ensure that the oversight function of the government’s running can be carried out effectively, as well as to serve as a channel for the aspirations of people who do not align with government policies,” he said. Furthermore, Lili assesses that the oversight function carried out by PDIP so far has not appeared optimal. One of the reasons is the party’s support for a number of government policies and legislative products, even though it is formally not part of the government coalition. “So far, some members of the public have assessed that the oversight function carried out by PDIP has not been optimal. This assessment arises because the bull-symbolised party continues to support a number of policies and draft laws proposed by the government, so its role as a balancing force is considered not yet clearly visible,” he concluded.