'Disadvantaged' By Perindo-PPP Who Joined KIM, PDIP Relaxed Respect For Differences In Politics

PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto asked reporters in the Senayan East Parking, Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium Complex (SUGBK), Jakarta, Sunday (18/8/2024). (ANTARA/Fath Putra Mulya)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) respects the choice of the United Development Party (PPP) and Perindo Party to join the Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM) and support the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government.

‘This is the beauty of politics, we respect the differences in political positions,’ said PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto when met at the Senayan East Parking, Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium Complex (SUGBK), Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, 18 August.

Even though the two parties that had a coalition with PDIP in the 2024 presidential election switched directions and chose to join KIM, Hasto stated that his party remained firmly on the populist path.

‘PDIP will remain firmly on the path of populism, we will build a healthy democracy, we will build a people's sovereign democracy so that every child of the nation can spur their achievements in all aspects of life,’ said Hasto.

However, Hasto did not answer definitively about PDIP's position in or outside the government. According to him, the decision will be made by PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri.

‘Yes, the PDIP position is the way of the people. We will see how the national call calls us and it will be decided by Mrs Megawati Soekarnoputri, including in the upcoming congress. Our task now is to mobilise moral strength, the power of truth. Our task is to encourage that by August no one is afraid of intimidation,’ he said.

Previously, PPP and Perindo visited the residence of Gerindra Party Chairman and President-elect Prabowo Subianto on Jalan Kertanegara, Jakarta, Thursday (15/8) evening.

After the meeting, Acting. PPP Chairman Muhamad Mardiono emphasised that the PPP is committed to supporting the Prabowo-Gibran government. In addition, the party is also committed to working with Gerindra Party in the 2024 regional elections.

‘We already have a commitment with Gerindra Party, which is to cooperate in regional elections, both at the provincial and district/city levels; and this has been going on since the regional election nomination process was carried out. It is already underway. So, there are still a few more places,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Perindo Party Chairman Angela Tanoesoedibjo said her party officially supports the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government. ‘Yes, officially supporting the legitimate government, Prabowo-Gibran,’ Angela said.

Angela said that her party must support the Prabowo-Gibran government to be able to contribute more to the country.

‘Indeed, we see that the Perindo Party in the future must continue to support the government because we want to contribute more, yes, of course we must join the government,’ he said.