Said Abdullah: PDIP is a Balancer, Not a Grey Opposition

PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Central Executive Board member Said Abdullah has dismissed the notion that the party’s stance represents an unclear or grey position towards the government. He affirmed his party’s politics are that of a balancer. According to Said, PDIP’s choice to be a balancer was the result of a decision made at the party’s National Working Meeting. He stressed that Indonesia’s political system cannot be equated with Western countries that implement a pure opposition system. “We cannot compare ourselves with Western countries that run an opposition system. As a balancer, PDIP is objective and proportional,” Said Abdullah stated in Jakarta on Saturday (20/6/2026). Said explained that the directive from PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri is very clear: if a government policy benefits the people, PDIP will provide full support until the term ends in 2029. Conversely, if a policy is deemed less appropriate, PDIP will issue a constructive warning. He also added that President Prabowo Subianto understands PDIP’s political choice. The President even referred to PDIP as a “more honest friend” for daring to provide objective input amidst potential excessive praise from other parties. This statement also responds to a remark by PKB Fraction Chair in the DPR, Jazilul Fawaid, who previously urged PDIP to immediately take a firm stance, either joining the coalition or becoming the opposition. Jazilul highlighted the involvement of PDIP cadres in recent student demonstrations as an indicator of political ambiguity. Responding to this, Said asserted that being a balancer does not mean seeking electoral advantage from the government’s weaknesses. “The opposition’s political will is totally contrary. We want President Prabowo to serve well in accordance with the constitution,” concluded the Chair of the DPR Budget Committee.