Said Abdullah: PDIP Supports Government, No Opposition

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) is rumored to have joined the government after President Prabowo Subianto granted amnesty to Hasto Kristiyanto. The issue arose in conjunction with the 6th PDIP Congress in Bali which re-established Megawati Soekarnoputri as chairman.

Responding to this, PDIP DPP Chairman Said Abdullah revealed, General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri in her closed speech stated that PDIP would become a strategic partner of the Prabowo government, not the opposition.

Megawati said cooperation with the government was important in the midst of a global situation full of uncertainty.

"Indeed, the General Chairperson said that the domestic and global challenges we face are getting tougher, full of uncertainty, the road must be steep. Therefore, we will support the government as a sparring partner, as an equalizer, no opposition," said Said at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Badung, Bali, Friday, August 1.

Said said PDIP would support government programs that are in line with the interests of the people, but would still provide criticism and corrections if needed.

"Mitra strategis pemerintah, sparing partner. Jika pemerintah benar, programnya akan kami mendukung. Jika kurang benar, kami akan memberikan alternatif solusi yang terbaik bagi pemerintah," katanya.

Despite supporting Prabowo's government, Said said, PDIP remains outside the government and has not yet conveyed the name of the cadre to sit in government.

According to Said, the official position of the party related to the new cabinet will be announced on Saturday, August 2.

"The decision of the General Chairperson remains outside (the government). There is no (proposal for name to the cabinet). The political attitude of the party will only be conveyed tomorrow, we will wait patiently until tomorrow," he said.