The Chairman of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mukhamad Misbakhun, launched sharp criticism against the political maneuvers of several elites of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). He highlighted the attitude of the bull-logo party, which is considered inconsistent or playing on 'both sides' in responding to President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
Misbakhun stated that although criticism is a fundamental element of democracy, its expression must be accompanied by moral responsibility. According to him, amidst current global geopolitical challenges, political parties should be able to contribute to cooling the atmosphere, rather than creating unnecessary tension in the public sphere.
Furthermore, the Golkar Party politician emphasized that the current government is very open to constructive criticism. He referred to law enforcement in the alleged embezzlement case of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program as concrete evidence that public input remains a serious concern for the government.
Alluding to PDIP's long experience as a party that once steered the government, Misbakhun hoped that the criticism raised would be more solution-oriented and mature. He emphasized that an ambiguous political stance—distancing oneself when policies are unpopular but participating in claiming the success of government programs—is an inappropriate move in political ethics.
"Do not position yourself as a balancer, but when a government program is appreciated by the public, that party also wants to take credit. Taking such a two-legged political stance is highly inelegant," Misbakhun asserted.
