Prabowo's Praise for PDIP: Thank You, I Respect Your Sacrifices

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto thanks the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) for currently being the only party in Parliament outside the government. According to Prabowo, PDIP has played a crucial role in safeguarding democracy in Indonesia, as the opposition ensures checks and balances, particularly against the executive bodies that run the government. He said these remarks in a speech on the Macro Economic Framework and the Core Policies of Fiscal Policy (KEM-PPKF) for the RAPBN 2027 in the DPR plenary chamber, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. ‘Not all parties here are part of the government, and I respect that; our democracy needs checks and balances. I understand and appreciate that PDIP is sacrificing to stay outside the government. I understand that, actually, I want to thank PDIP. You have been crucial to our democracy,’ Prabowo said. Prabowo went on to say that he believes every leader should be willing and able to be criticised, and government bodies must be overseen in their work. He also acknowledged that if all parties supported the government, that would not be good for Indonesia as a democracy. ‘Sometimes, late at night before sleep, my heart is heavy; some PDIP members’ criticisms can be very sharp, but I realise over time that perhaps there is a basis to them. There is a saying that when someone reminds us, even if we do not like being warned, they are actually saving us,’ Prabowo said. ‘So, thank you; I respect your sacrifices,’ he added. In the same address, Prabowo revealed that he has instructed his ministers not to hinder companies affiliated with PDIP when they wish to bid for government tenders. ‘Ask, I always say: ministers ask for guidance: Sir, what should we do? There is a project, there is a tender. But behind it there is PDIP. Is that right? Come on, ministers, you are right. But what is my answer? No problem! If he wins, he wins; do not look at the background,’ Prabowo said. Prabowo explained that he did so in imitation of PDIP’s General Chair Megawati Sukarnoputri.