PDI-P Supports Prabowo's Government as a "Sparring Partner"

NUSA DUA, KOMPAS – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is said to be supporting the Prabowo Subianto administration despite being outside the cabinet. At the ongoing 6th PDI-P Congress, Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri stated that the challenges ahead will be challenging, and therefore the party will support the government as a sparring partner or strategic balancing partner. Megawati will announce the PDI-P's official stance at the congress' closing ceremony on Saturday (August 2, 2025).

All voting rights holders, namely the chairperson, secretary, and treasurer of the regional leadership council (provincial level) as well as the branch leadership council (district and city), attended the VI Congress of PDI-P at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, on Friday (1/8/2025). The agenda is scheduled to last for two days until Saturday (2/8/2025). The first day's session was held behind closed doors.

PDI-P politician Said Abdullah, when met during the VI PDI-P Congress on Friday (1/8/2025), explained that Megawati, in her speech, expressed gratitude for the support of the congress delegates, namely the chairpersons, secretaries, and treasurers of the DPD and DPC of the party. In addition, Megawati mentioned that the challenges facing Indonesia in the future are not easy.

"The road will certainly be steep, full of uncertainty. Therefore, we will support the government as a sparring partner or balancer, with no opposition," Said said.

He emphasized that this support would be provided critically and constructively. "We are the government's strategic partner, our sparring partner. If the government is right, we will implement its program. If it's not, we will provide the best alternative solutions for the government," he said.

Nevertheless, the PDI-P has decided to remain outside the cabinet and is not preparing any names to enter the government. "Until now, the decision of the Chairwoman remains to stay outside. No names have been proposed. The party's political stance will be communicated tomorrow; we will wait patiently," said Said.

Support for the government, he continued, will primarily be manifested through the functions of parliament. "We must be at the forefront in supporting government programs that are correct and aligned. If a government program is deemed less appropriate, we will provide alternative solutions. That is the most important thing; that is true companionship," he stated.

The road will certainly be steep and full of uncertainty. Therefore, we will support the government as a sparring partner or balancer, with no opposition.

Said emphasized that there had been no further discussion on whether the support would open up the possibility of PDI-P joining the government. "Oh, it hasn't gotten that far yet, right? The party's political stance has only just been conveyed," he said.

Meanwhile, PDI-P politician Yasonna Laoly reminded that a similar stance was also conveyed by Megawati during the technical guidance (bimtek) of the PDI-P Faction on July 30, 2025.

"Indeed, if the PDI Perjuangan was in the training yesterday, you have already stated that we support the government of Mr. Prabowo even though we are outside the cabinet, we will continue to support as a balancing force," he emphasized.