Dewi Nurita, Jakarta – Chairman of the Democrat Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), stated that his party would continue to stay out of the ruling coalition and consistently deliver constructive criticism.

"We are indeed outside [the ruling coalition], but we are also 'Merah Putih' (Indonesians) because we want our country to be safe. If we voice suggestions, constructive criticism, they should not be considered as a form of resistance," said Agus during the celebration event of the 20th anniversary of the Democrat Party on Thursday, September 9.

Agus said the party's stance which opposed the government was not also aimed at seeking a political stage.

"Everything we do is not to look for a political stage, not to seek temporary political gain, what is it for? It's useless. And people have hearts and minds. Those who seek political gain during a pandemic will get their own judgment in society," Agus remarked.

With that being said, he asked the government to be more open to criticism, given the principles of democracy are open up space for dissent.

AHY further pledged that the Democrat party would consistently voice the aspirations of the people. "We develop coalition with common sense, with conscience, because in the end, the voice of the people is actually the voice of God," he said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1504433/ahy-affirms-democrat-party-to-always-be-outside-ruling-coalitio