Prabowo Claims PDI-P Behind Government Project Tenders

Jakarta, Kompas.com - President Prabowo Subianto recounts the involvement of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) behind government project tenders during his administration.

He made the remark while describing questions from ministers about projects and tender processes that turned out to be connected to a political party.

“Kalau di pemerintah kan banyak fasilitas, tetapi tanya saya selalu mengatakan menteri-menteri minta petunjuk, ‘Pak, ini bagaimana ada proyek ada tender, tetapi di belakangnya PDI-P’,” said Prabowo, while addressing a plenary meeting of the DPR RI related to the delivery of the KEM-PPKF, on Wednesday (20/5/2026).

Nevertheless, Prabowo did not object to political backgrounds in procurement processes or in determining tender winners. He emphasised that the core principle of his administration is openness and fairness, including in project management. He also noted that the General Chair of PDI-P Megawati Sukarnoputri assisted him when he was not in power.

“Ayok, menteri-menteri, benar kan? Tetapi apa jawaban saya? Jawaban saya tidak ada masalah. Kalau dia menang, menang wajar. Jangan kita lihat latar belakangnya, benar?” said Prabowo.

The head of state then appeared to apologise by clasping his hands toward the Speaker of the DPR RI, who is also the DPP PDI-P chair, Puan Maharani.

Prabowo then referred to his past relationship with Megawati. “I want to be open, I wasn’t in power at that time, i.e., I was adrift. Madam Megawati Sukarnoputri intervened, saying if Prabowo wins the tender, don’t harass it, continue,” Prabowo revealed.

Prabowo added that he now applies a similar principle as head of state—namely, not differentiating political backgrounds in policy execution or in relation to government project determinations. “I am now following her example. I, as president, must not look at political background; if he is honest and wins fairly, we must grant it,” Prabowo said.