PDIP Official Tells PKB Counterpart: Manage Your Own Party

A senior official from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has publicly questioned the right of a leader from the National Awakening Party (PKB) to comment on PDIP's political positioning. Deddy Sitorus, a Central Executive Board member of PDIP, challenged Jazilul Fawaid, Deputy Chairman of PKB, who had criticized PDIP's stance as ambiguous and urged them to clarify whether they support or oppose President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Sitorus firmly stated that PDIP's decision to act as a balancing party outside the government coalition is an internal organizational matter, ratified by the party's congress and national working meetings. He emphasized that this position is based on the mandate of PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri. "So, a cadre from another party cannot arbitrarily demand us to do anything. Who does he think he is?" Sitorus remarked, dismissing Fawaid's unsolicited advice.

He further advised Fawaid to manage his own party's affairs rather than interfering with others. Sitorus also suggested that Fawaid deepen his understanding of governmental systems, particularly the distinction between parliamentary and presidential models. He explained that the concept of a formal opposition is characteristic of parliamentary systems, which Indonesia, with its presidential system and a shared ideological basis of Pancasila, does not strictly adhere to.

Sitorus clarified that in Indonesia's presidential system, the House of Representatives (DPR) fulfills a checks and balances function rather than a formal opposition role. He reiterated that PDIP's position outside the government is clear and intended to provide a counterbalance to the dominant power held by pro-government parties in the DPR. "How much clearer does this matter need to be for him?" Sitorus questioned, expressing bewilderment at Fawaid's apparent lack of understanding or ulterior motives behind his statements.