27-5-2024 (JAKARTA) In a pivotal moment for Indonesia’s political landscape, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) remained tight-lipped on whether it will align with or oppose the incoming administration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto at the close of its annual leadership meeting on May 26. However, veiled remarks from the party’s chief, Megawati Soekarnoputri, hinted at the possibility of the PDI-P assuming an opposition role.
Despite emerging as the party with the most seats in the February legislative elections, securing an estimated 110 out of 580 seats, the PDI-P’s presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo, lost to Mr. Prabowo from the rival Gerindra Party. As Mr. Prabowo prepares to assume office in October, the PDI-P’s stance remains shrouded in uncertainty.
While addressing the party faithful, Megawati Soekarnoputri, the PDI-P chairwoman, suggested that the party’s position should be determined at its five-yearly congress scheduled for 2025. However, her subsequent remarks offered a glimpse into the potential direction the party might take.
“Over breakfast this morning, I read a newspaper article that reported PDI-P will decide a political position. Hold it right there. Let’s do ‘some rounds of plays’ first,” Ms. Megawati said, alluding to the intricate political maneuverings that typically precede regional elections.
Political observers note that forming joint tickets with parties from different strongholds is crucial for winning cities or provinces in the upcoming regional elections (pilkada) on November 27. Many of these parties are either part of or have pledged allegiance to the ruling coalition supporting the next administration at the national level.
“We are democracy fighters,” Megawati proclaimed, hinting at the party’s potential opposition stance. “We have fighters’ characters that are marked with the fire of struggle, with an eternally burning flame, even though we are being pressured and besieged. The key is to walk hand in hand with the people. We have forged a bond (with the people).”
Megawati also seized the opportunity to criticize the 2024 General Election, accusing the national elections commission and authorities of ignoring complaints and alleging voter interference by police and state prosecutors.
Amidst the uncertainty, the PDI-P leadership outlined several decisions from the annual meetings. These included instructing the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) to urge the government to review recent university tuition fee hikes, push for legislation strengthening political parties, promote equal treatment among coalition and opposition parties, and emphasize the importance of checks and balances to enhance the quality of democracy in the country.
As the dust settles on the February elections, the question of whether the PDI-P will assume an opposition role or align with Prabowo’s incoming administration remains unanswered. However, Megawati’s veiled remarks and the party’s calls for reforms and checks and balances have fueled speculation about the PDI-P’s potential stance in the coming political landscape.
