Prabowo: It Breaks My Heart; PDI-P's Criticism Is Very Harsh Indeed

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto admitted he often feels heartbroken to receive harsh criticism from members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) who are outside the government. He said this while delivering a speech in the DPR RI plenary meeting with the agenda of presenting the Macro-Economic Framework and the Main Points of Fiscal Policy (KEM-PPKF) on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

‘These PDI-P members can be very harsh in their criticisms,’ Prabowo said, receiving laughter from meeting participants in the DPR RI building.

‘Though I realise, perhaps there is a basis to it in time, right? There is a saying that when someone reminds us, even if we do not like being warned, they are actually saving us, ladies and gentlemen,’ he added.

Prabowo said he respects the PDI-P’s decision to stay outside the government. He noted that the position is important to maintain democracy and checks and balances.

The General Chairman of the Gerindra party even expressed thanks to the PDI-P for their contribution to Indonesian democracy.

‘Actually I would like to thank the PDI-P. You have a contribution to our democracy,’ he said.

In his speech, Prabowo admitted that in fact he would like all political parties to join the government in the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation).

‘What I want is indeed gotong royong. If all parties were in government, how sweet it would be. How sweet it would be for me, but perhaps that is not best. Every leader must be willing to be criticised. Every executive must be overseen,’ he added.

Prabowo also touched on his relationship with Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Chairwoman of the PDI-P. He revealed that Megawati had helped him when he was not yet in power. He then admitted following Megawati’s stance, not distinguishing political backgrounds in determining government project winners.

‘Now I am following her example. I, as president, must not look at political background; if someone is right and wins fair and square, we must give it to them,’ Prabowo said.