PDIP Chairperson Puan Maharani Affirms Party’s Cooperation with Prabowo-Gibran Government

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP)’s executive board, Puan Maharani, has confirmed that her party will cooperate with the incoming Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration in their efforts to build the nation.

“We will build Indonesia together,” Maharani, who also serves as Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), stated after presiding over a plenary meeting at the parliamentary complex on Tuesday.

Maharani’s remarks came in response to questions regarding whether PDIP would assume an opposition role or join the Prabowo-Gibran government coalition, even if no PDIP members are appointed to ministerial posts or key positions in government agencies.

She emphasized that communication between PDIP and President-elect Prabowo Subianto has been smooth, with no issues arising. “We always communicate with each other, just as we maintain good communication in the House of Representatives. We will continue to build Indonesia together,” she reiterated.

Maharani also confirmed that a meeting between Prabowo and PDIP’s general chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the fifth president of Indonesia, is scheduled to take place before Prabowo’s inauguration on October 20, 2024.

When asked about PDIP’s absence from a recent gathering at Prabowo’s residence in South Jakarta, where he met with 49 individuals reportedly being considered for ministerial appointments, Maharani clarified that no PDIP figures were summoned. “Yes, we [PDIP] did not receive a call for that meeting, that’s it,” she said, without dismissing the possibility of PDIP members being invited at a later stage.

As the inauguration approaches, Maharani suggested that future developments remain open. “Insya-Allah (God willing), anything is possible,” she added, hinting at potential engagement with the incoming government.

The comments come amid increasing speculation regarding the composition of Prabowo’s Cabinet and the broader political landscape as his administration prepares to take office.