TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) politician Deddy Yevri Hanteru Sitorus said his party still supports the Prabowo Subianto-led government despite the absence of their cadres in the president’s Red and White Cabinet. 

"The support does not have to mean becoming a cabinet member, but by providing contributions through constructive outlook and input," said the PDIP Central Board chief, as quoted from a written statement received by Tempo on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

The daughter of PDIP Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri echoed Deddy's statement, saying the party will support Prabowo Subianto’s government through the parliament. 

"Ibu Puan spoke on behalf of the party, so we must all uphold it,” said Deddy, adding that "we hope that President Prabowo can demonstrate effective leadership and manage the government and the nation constitutionally."

Secretary General of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani, also affirmed that PDIP will not be the opposition to the Prabowo-led government. 

"Indeed, PDIP will not place its cadres in the cabinet. But for PDIP, it does not mean opposition. PDIP does not acknowledge opposition and coalition,” said Muzani when met after the presidential inauguration at the parliament complex in Senayan, South Jakarta, on Sunday, October 20.

According to Muzani, PDIP’s stance in the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) also reflected its support for the Prabowo-Gibran government, marked by the presence of 110 DPR members from the PDIP faction during the plenary session of the Prabowo-Gibran’s inauguration. 

"That is the nature of the presidential system. Being in a coalition does not equal cabinet seats, and being in the opposition doesn't mean taking a contrarian step against the government,” said the MPR Speaker for the 2024-2029 period.

Editor’s Choice: Indonesia May Be an Oligarchy If PDIP Joins Govt: Economist

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News