Prabowo Praises PDIP for Being Outside the Government

President Prabowo Subianto has underscored that the existence of an opposition remains important for safeguarding democracy and oversight of the government, speaking during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday (20 May). In his remarks, Prabowo specifically expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) for choosing to be outside the government, saying the decision is a crucial part of the checks and balances in a democracy. ‘It is true that not all parties here are part of the government, and I respect and value that. Our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand and appreciate that PDIP is sacrificing to be outside the government. I understand that. In fact, I want to say thank you to PDIP. You have contributed to our democracy,’ he said. Personally, he admitted he would prefer the spirit of mutual cooperation with all parties in one government front. However, he also acknowledged that this might not be healthy for democracy. ‘If all parties were in government, how sweet it would be. How sweet it would be for me, but perhaps it would not be good. Every leader must be willing to be criticised. Every executive must be overseen,’ he said. Prabowo even admitted that he often feels emotionally affected by harsh criticisms levelled by PDIP cadres against the government. Nevertheless, he argued that such criticism is important as a reminder for those in power. ‘Sometimes, late at night before sleep, my heart is heavy. PDIP members sometimes offer very harsh criticisms. But I realise that, over time, perhaps there is some basis for it,’ he said, prompting laughter from session participants. On the occasion, Prabowo also disclosed his personal relationship with PDIP’s General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri. He claimed to have previously received assistance from Megawati before being in government. ‘When I was not in power, Ibu Mega helped me in the economic field,’ Prabowo said. He then recounted his experiences during tender processes before taking office as president. According to Prabowo, Mega asked that tenders proceed objectively irrespective of the political backgrounds of those involved. ‘Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri intervened, saying that if Prabowo wins the tender, it should not be interfered with and should proceed,’ he stated. Prabowo said he now uses that stance as a guiding principle in leading the government. He emphasised that government projects must be awarded to those who win fairly, without regard to political affiliation. ‘I am now the president; we cannot look at the political background—if he wins legitimately and fairly, he should be given the contract,’ he asserted. (Mir/P-3) President Prabowo Subianto also set a target to reduce the poverty rate to 6.0-6.5% by 2027 in his remarks to the KEM-PPKF presented to the DPR. (See key points of the 2027 State Budget). President Prabowo also threatened to use military radar and advanced satellites to track bunkers and illegal assets of corrupt officials. The plenary session of the DPR was on the Macro Economy framework and the Fiscal Policy Package as well as the RAPBN 2027 presented directly by President Prabowo Subianto. President Prabowo Subianto attended the plenary session at the DPR complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (20 May) to discuss the macro-economic framework and fiscal policy. He was scheduled to attend the DPR plenary session in the Parliament complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (20 May). According to Saan, the president’s direct appearance at the podium to read the KEM-PPKF demonstrated the government’s seriousness. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Saan Mustopa, has confirmed the president’s attendance for the following day. The presidency schedule states that Prabowo was to attend the DPR plenary session in the Parliament complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (20 May).