RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto publicly thanked Megawati Soekarnoputri and the opposition party PDIP for remaining outside the government, saying criticism and political oversight are essential to strengthening Indonesia’s democracy. His remarks highlighted rare bipartisan recognition amid Indonesia’s increasingly consolidated political landscape.

The statement came during a public address commemorating National Awakening Day, where Prabowo acknowledged that not all political parties had joined his administration. While admitting he would personally prefer all parties to work together inside government, he said a functioning democracy still requires checks and balances from opposition forces.

Prabowo specifically credited PDIP for helping preserve democratic accountability by continuing to monitor and criticize the government despite remaining outside the ruling coalition.

Prabowo Says Opposition Criticism Helps Government Improve

During the speech, Prabowo openly admitted that criticism from PDIP lawmakers often felt harsh, but he said he eventually recognized the value behind the scrutiny.

He said every leader must be willing to accept criticism and every executive branch must remain under supervision. According to Prabowo, opposition voices can serve as an important corrective mechanism that prevents government mistakes and keeps public institutions accountable.

“At times their criticism is very tough,” Prabowo said, referring to PDIP members. “But I realize there may be truth behind it.”

The president framed the opposition’s role as part of Indonesia’s democratic maturity, emphasizing that reminders and warnings from critics can ultimately protect leaders from making poor decisions.

Prabowo also acknowledged what he described as the “sacrifice” made by PDIP by staying outside the government, noting that parties within the administration often gain access to greater political influence and state facilities.

The comments drew attention because Indonesia’s current political environment has seen broad coalition-building among major parties following the 2024 presidential election, leaving limited formal opposition in parliament.

Prabowo Reveals Megawati Once Helped Him During Tender Process

In one of the most notable parts of the speech, Prabowo shared a personal anecdote involving Megawati during a period when he said he held no political power.

According to Prabowo, Megawati intervened in the past to ensure that a project tender won by him would proceed fairly without political interference.

Prabowo said Megawati instructed officials not to disrupt the tender process simply because of political considerations. He used the story to explain why his own administration now avoids discriminating against companies or individuals based on political affiliation.

“If they win fairly, then they should be allowed to win,” Prabowo said.

The president added that ministers in his administration occasionally raise concerns about companies allegedly linked to PDIP participating in government projects or tenders. However, he insisted political background should not determine procurement outcomes.

Indonesia’s public procurement process has long faced scrutiny over transparency, favoritism, and political influence. Prabowo’s remarks appeared aimed at reinforcing his administration’s commitment to fair competition and neutrality in state projects.

Speech Highlights Calls for National Unity and Democratic Balance

Although Prabowo praised opposition oversight, he also reiterated his long-standing preference for “gotong royong,” or political cooperation among parties.

He said a government supported by all political parties might appear “sweet” politically, but he acknowledged that such a situation may not necessarily benefit democratic governance.

Political analysts have frequently warned that overly dominant governing coalitions can weaken parliamentary oversight and reduce institutional accountability. Prabowo’s comments therefore marked an unusual acknowledgment of the importance of dissent inside Indonesia’s political system.

The speech concluded with Prabowo calling for national unity and asking for divine guidance in carrying out what he described as a sacred mandate from the Indonesian people.

He ended the address by commemorating National Awakening Day and encouraging Indonesians to continue the struggle initiated by the nation’s founding figures.

Prabowo’s recognition of PDIP’s opposition role may also signal efforts to maintain political stability while easing tensions between rival camps after the highly contested 2024 election period.