Puan Says PDIP's Political Stance Is Clear, Dismisses 'Grey Area' Claims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PDIP Central Executive Board (DPP) Chair Puan Maharani has stated that the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has a clear political stance, dismissing suggestions that the party’s position is ‘grey’. ‘No, we are clear,’ Puan said when asked about the issue after chairing a plenary session at the parliament complex in Jakarta on Thursday. The House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker responded briefly and did not elaborate further. She made the statement during a press conference with other DPR leaders from different political parties, including Deputy Speaker Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal of the National Awakening Party (PKB). The jibe that PDIP was taking a ‘grey’ position was initially made by PKB faction chairman Jazilul Fawaid. He raised the issue in connection with rumours of a PDIP figure participating in a recent student demonstration in Jakarta. ‘If you want to be outside the government, go ahead, but don’t be grey. That’s what I meant,’ Jazilul said at the parliament complex on Thursday. According to him, parties that are in coalition with the government are currently working hard to realise President Prabowo Subianto’s promises. He said that achieving these programme targets requires unity and solidarity. He added that political parties within the government coalition have always respected differing opinions and views. Therefore, he argued, PDIP’s position should be clear. ‘PDIP’s position is still not firm. What does it mean to be a balancing force? It needs to be clarified. Recent events make it even more important to confirm that position,’ he said.