PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto has shed light on the recent high-profile meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri at Istana Merdeka (Merdeka Palace). Despite the meeting being framed within the context of state affairs, Hasto revealed that the atmosphere was remarkably warm and filled with a genuine sense of camaraderie, transcending formal protocol.
According to Hasto, Megawati Soekarnoputri interpreted the gathering as a friendly reunion with someone she has known for a long time. “Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri met with Mr. President Prabowo a few days ago. Ibu Mega even described the meeting as one among ‘long-time friends’,” Hasto stated during a press conference at the PDIP Central Executive Board office in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday, March 21.
Hasto elaborated that the extended duration of the meeting allowed the two prominent figures to engage in extensive discussions. Beyond reminiscing about shared past experiences, they also delved into a range of strategic national issues currently confronting the nation. “The meeting was very cordial, discussing various matters concerning the nation and the state,” he affirmed, highlighting the depth of their exchange.
For the PDIP, this significant encounter profoundly reflects Indonesia’s national character, which prioritizes dialogue and consensus-building in addressing diverse challenges. The party sees it as an embodiment of the nation’s commitment to finding common ground through open communication among its leaders, regardless of political affiliation.
Furthermore, Hasto touched upon the possibility of Megawati extending similar courtesies to other former presidents during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr 1447 H celebrations. He emphasized that for Megawati, the very essence of Lebaran lies in strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and fostering mutual forgiveness. “During this Eid al-Fitr, everyone upholds the spirit of brotherhood. That is what is emphasized, the spirit of forgiveness,” Hasto explained.
He also recalled that the tradition of halal bihalal—a unique Indonesian custom of post-Eid reconciliation—was pioneered by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. This tradition, Hasto noted, was strategically established to defuse political tensions through the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr. “And it was initiated by Bung Karno through halal bihalal, which is a truly distinctive and culturally rich Indonesian tradition of celebrating Eid al-Fitr,” he concluded, underscoring its historical and cultural importance.
The much-anticipated meeting between Prabowo and Megawati took place last Thursday, March 19. Moments of their evident warmth were captured on camera: as Megawati ascended the stairs, her hand rested reassuringly on Prabowo. Similarly, upon descending, she again held onto Prabowo for support, illustrating a comfortable familiarity between them. Inside, Prabowo was seen seated on a sofa directly beside Megawati, his face clearly expressing a cheerful smile.
Observing from across Prabowo and Megawati were other key figures: Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who also serves as the Gerindra Party’s Daily Chairman, and Puan Maharani, Megawati’s daughter, who holds positions as Speaker of the House and Chairwoman of the PDIP Central Executive Board. This gathering of influential leaders underscored the meeting’s significant political weight.
Prabowo himself later shared insights into the occasion, posting on his social media: “On the 29th day of Ramadan, nearing Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, I received the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ibu Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri, at Istana Merdeka. This meeting marks a continuation of the fellowship among national leaders.” His statement reaffirmed the importance of such dialogue for national cohesion.
Summary
PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto described the recent meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri at Istana Merdeka as remarkably warm and friendly. Megawati herself characterized the gathering as a reunion among “long-time friends,” moving beyond formal protocols. The extended discussion, which included reminiscing about shared past experiences, also delved into strategic national issues, highlighting a deep sense of camaraderie between them.
This significant encounter, which occurred on March 19 and included figures like Puan Maharani and Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, reflects Indonesia’s national character of dialogue and consensus-building, according to PDIP. Prabowo later affirmed on social media that the meeting was a continuation of fellowship among national leaders. Hasto also noted Megawati’s emphasis on brotherhood and forgiveness during Eid al-Fitr, a tradition of *halal bihalal* pioneered by Soekarno to ease political tensions.