Prabowo’s Response; Puan Reiterates PDIP Criticism for the Welfare of the People

Jakarta, VIVA – Chair of the PDIP’s DPP, Puan Maharani, spoke about the praise voiced by President Prabowo Subianto regarding PDIP’s continued position outside his government. The PDIP’s stance has been perceived as having played a role in safeguarding democracy in Indonesia. Puan responded positively to Prabowo’s statement.

‘Therefore we greatly appreciate that support and what is done by PDI Perjuangan will always be carried out in the ways that we have always done, as His Excellency the President said that giving input or criticism,’ Puan told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Thursday, 21 May 2026.

Puan also responded to Prabowo’s statement that his heart was pained to hear the harsh criticisms from PDIP cadres. She said the criticisms of Prabowo’s administration are constructive.

‘So, the criticisms are constructive and building, not negative, but rather giving positive input,’ she said.

She said the aim of the criticisms is so that the Prabowo administration can implement its programmes well for the welfare of the people.

‘That giving input or providing criticisms that are constructive for the government to run its programmes and its policies to the greatest extent for the welfare of the people,’ Puan concluded.

Earlier, it was reported that President Prabowo Subianto thanked the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) for being the only party in parliament currently outside the government. According to Prabowo, PDIP has been instrumental in safeguarding democracy in Indonesia, because opposition ensures checks and balances, particularly against executive bodies that run the government.

This was stated by Prabowo in a speech on the Macro Economic Framework and Core Fiscal Policy (KEM-PPKF) RAPBN 2027 in the DPR plenary room, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

‘There are not all parties here that are part of the government, and I respect, I value that; our democracy needs check and balance, I understand and comprehend it, PDIP sacrifices to be outside the government, I understand that, actually, I would like to say thank you to PDIP. You have served democracy for us,’ said Prabowo.