Prabowo Urges Ministers to Be Fair to PDIP If They Win Projects

President Prabowo Subianto has asked ministers in the Red-White Cabinet to act fairly towards members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) if companies affiliated with them win government projects. He said several ministers approached him seeking his views on the PDIP cadres’ victory in government tenders.

During a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, he said: “Ministers are asking for instructions, ‘Sir, what should we do? There are projects, there are tenders, but behind it it’s PDIP.’”

The remark was met with laughter from DPR members and several ministers in attendance. Prabowo then asked the president’s aides to acknowledge his words.

“Come on, ministers, be straight, right? But what is my answer: if there is no problem, if they win—win by all means—let us not look at their background, right?” said the chairman of the Gerindra party.

Prabowo stated he models his approach on the stance of PDIP chairwoman and fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri, who once provided him economic support when he had little power. Prabowo said he wishes to be transparent about this.

“I wasn’t in power back then; I was wandering. Madam Megawati Soekarnoputri intervened and said, ‘if Prabowo really wins the tender, don’t hinder him.’ I am now following her example,” the former defence minister said.

After becoming head of state, Prabowo claimed he would not look at the political backstory of someone who opposes the government. “If they win properly, we should give them their due, brothers and sisters,” he said.

Earlier, Prabowo also touched on the PDIP’s position outside the governing coalition. He admitted his heart was pained by criticisms voiced by members of the House of Representatives from the PDIP faction.

“Sometimes, late at night before I sleep, my heart is heavy. These PDIP members’ criticisms can be very sharp,” Prabowo added.