PDIP Chooses Balance, Not Opposition, to Prabowo Government

PDIP reaffirmed its role as a balancing party, not an opposition party, amid criticism that its stance toward President Prabowo Subianto's government remains unclear. PDIP DPP chairman Said Abdullah said the position was decided at the party's first national working meeting last year. Under that approach, PDIP will back government policies it views as good for the public, but will also correct the government when it judges performance to be lacking. Said also said Prabowo understands PDIP's political choice and sees it as a more honest friend. The dispute surfaced after PKB deputy chairman Jazilul Fawaid urged PDIP to be clear about whether it stands with government supporters or outside the administration.