When the Red Bull Fights the 'Grey Party' Label

PDIP has been labelled a ‘grey party’ due to its position within the political landscape. The party, symbolised by a red bull, is now fighting back against this label. The label originated from DPP PDIP Chairman Said Abdullah. Said asserted that his party was not involved in mobilising masses. He made this statement in response to accusations from a student alliance called BEM Bersatu regarding the alleged closeness of Tiyo Ardianto, one of the protest mobilisers, to PDIP figures. “It is confirmed that PDI Perjuangan, in accordance with the instructions of the Chairwoman, had absolutely no involvement in the various demonstrations, both at the end of August and the recent student protests. Neither as cadres nor as members,” Said stated at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/6). Said stated that the alleged actions were not PDIP’s methods. He mentioned that even if there were accusations regarding the figure of Andi Widjajanto being among the masses, he asked that this not be interpreted as PDIP’s involvement. “The Chairwoman’s message was firm, because those are not the methods of PDI Perjuangan. Including when various parties monitored the participation or movements of someone like Andi Widjajanto, that absolutely must not be interpreted as PDI Perjuangan,” he explained.

Responding to Said’s statement, PKB Faction Chairman in the DPR RI, Jazilul Fawaid, asked PDIP to take a firm stance regarding its position towards President Prabowo Subianto’s government. Jazilul said an unclear attitude could create a confusing impression. “I hope they take a firm stance. If they are in the opposition, be in the opposition. Don’t be grey. Because we are all working hard to realise what the President promised. All programmes have been arranged,” said Jazilul at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (18/6/2026). Jazilul was answering reporters’ questions about the alleged participation of Andi Widjajanto in a demonstration a few days earlier. He said that currently, the parties supporting the government are trying to oversee Prabowo’s various programmes to ensure they run according to target. Therefore, he considered solidarity and clarity of stance from PDIP necessary. “So, we hope their position is clear, don’t be grey. We are moving to ensure all programmes run according to target. And we know that we all need unity and solidarity to run all the President’s programmes; without that, it cannot work. But don’t then take a grey stance,” he said. Jazilul emphasised that his party respects all differing political views. However, he asked for a clear stance so as not to disrupt the running of the government. “Yes, don’t have a grey stance. So far, we, or those in the government ranks, respect all opinions from others. But if there is an impression of disruption, that is not good for running the programme. So, the position should just be gentle,” he said. Although PDIP has repeatedly stated it is a balancing party, Jazilul considered this still not clear enough. He again asked PDIP to clarify its status. “Not yet, not yet clear. Because so far there has been that impression, here and there, the position is not yet firm. What kind of balancing act is that? I don’t understand,” he said. “So, the events that have occurred, in my opinion, should just confirm their position, so we can move forward properly,” he added.

PDIP Dismisses the Label

DPP PDIP Chairman Ganjar Pranowo asserted that PDIP’s position is very clear, being outside the government as a balancing force, after PKB asked the party not to be grey. Ganjar said this stance is an official party decision. “PDI Perjuangan’s position is actually very clear; we are outside the government and carrying out a balancing function. That is an official party decision, the result of the highest organisational mechanism, and has been conveyed openly to the public. So, there is nothing grey about it,” Ganjar told reporters on Friday (19/6). Ganjar said the balancing function carried out by PDIP does not mean rejecting all government policies. According to him, PDIP will support policies that favour the people and criticise policies deemed inappropriate. “Like our notes on MBG, KDMP, education, health, foreign policy, disasters, and others. Checks and balances are the foundation of a healthy democracy,” he said. Ganjar then touched on the political dynamics in Indonesia. According to him, political positions are not always determined by who was the opponent in the election. “We all know who remains consistent in the ranks and who then entered and ultimately ended up in the ruling ranks, alias joining the government. That is the political right of every party and we respect it,” he stated. Ganjar believes each party should focus on explaining its own political stance. He asserted that his party does not need judgement from other parties. “Therefore, it would be wiser if every party focused on explaining its own political stance, not defining the stance of other parties. PDI Perjuangan does not need a certificate of political clarity from any party,” he said. Meanwhile, DPP PDIP Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira responded to PKB Faction Chairman Jazilul Fawaid’s request for PDIP to take a firm stance regarding its position towards President Prabowo Subianto’s government. Andreas asserted that his party is a balancing party outside the government. “A balancing party outside the government,” Andreas told reporters on Friday (19/6). “That is a party congress decision,” he continued. According to him, PDIP’s political stance is already clear. Andreas said his party has also never meddled in other parties’ affairs. “I have never meddled in other people’s parties’ affairs; I hope other parties also do not meddle in our party. Let the people judge the existing parties and make decisions in the legislative elections,” he said. Regarding PDIP’s current position being clear and not needing to be questioned by other parties, Andreas instead took a swipe at the parties within the government coalition. According to him, the parties in the government coalition are also not yet clear.