A political researcher with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Lili Romli, has cautioned the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) against joining President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, suggesting that such a move could erode democratic checks and balances.

He was responding to recent remarks by PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who reportedly instructed party cadres to support government programs. While some interpret this as a gesture of alignment with national development priorities, others fear that it signals a potential coalition shift.

“I hope Ibu Megawati’s instruction is not a sign that PDI-P will join the government. The public still expects PDI-P to remain outside the administration as an opposition party,” Lili spoke to Indonesia Business Post, on Friday, August 1, 2025.

He emphasized that public support for Megawati’s instruction hinges on the belief that it stems from policy alignment rather than political accommodation.

“The government’s programs so far have reflected PDI-P’s pro-people mission. If the instruction is based on shared values, then it’s understandable,” he said.

However, Lili warned that if the instruction is intended as a prelude to PDI-P’s formal entry into the governing coalition, it could be detrimental to democratic governance.

“If PDI-P joins the government, then there will be no meaningful political opposition left. That’s dangerous not only for the administration’s accountability, but also for the health of democracy itself,” he cited.

The absence of a strong opposition bloc in the legislature, analysts warn, would reduce the space for policy oversight, public discourse, and democratic contestation cornerstones of Indonesia’s post-reform political system.

Previously, a senior party official and member of the House of Representatives (DPR), Deddy Sitorus conveyed Megawati’s message during a technical guidance session (bimtek) in Bali attended by thousands of PDI-P legislators from regional councils (DPRD) to the national parliament (DPR).

“Ibu Megawati reminded us that the party must remain solid as an organization and continue to share the same frequency of struggle,” Deddy told reporters on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

He cited that Megawati had urged party members to play a constructive role in supporting national priorities, especially in light of economic and geopolitical challenges. However, Deddy clarified that such support was conditional, not a signal of PDI-P formally joining the government led by President Prabowo Subianto.

“We will support the government, meaning we will support all efforts that are positive in maintaining the state addressing fiscal crises, deficits, foreign debt payments, geopolitical tensions, and global economic pressures,” Deddy said.