3-year reunion for Mega and Gus Dur
3-year reunion for Mega and Gus Dur
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta
For three years, former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has
not made any attempt to mend his relationship with Megawati
Soekarnoputri after she replaced her as president in July 2001.
On Monday however, he decided to meet with Megawati, whom he
has often described as his younger sister, with a request for her
to cook nasi goreng!
Megawati patiently served Gus Dur during their two-and-a-half
hour meeting at her private residence on Jl. Kebagusan, South
Jakarta. Megawati acted like the perfect younger sister for Gus
Dur by serving him black coffee, snacks and coconut with her own
hands as requested by the former president.
"They acted as if nothing had ever happened between them, it
was really like two close friends who met each other again after
a long time," a source said.
She also enjoyed Gus Dur's jokes.
"Is there anything else that you want Mas Dur?" a close aide
of Megawati, quoted the President as asking the founder of the
National Awakening Party (PKB).
The source, who asked not to be named, acknowledged that
Megawati was probably unaware of Gus Dur's characteristic wish
(for nasi goreng) when he would visit her at her residence after
they had some problems. After eating usually their relationship
would improve because Gus Dur would crack many jokes.
"May I have nasi goreng?" Gus Dur asked Megawati.
She had to apologize for not being able to fulfill his
request, because she was unable to cook it for him.
"He was rather disappointed," said the source.
Is it a sign that their relationship will not return to normal
ahead of the Sept. 20 runoff?
Megawati needs the support of PKB and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU),
which was founded by his grandfather. NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi
became Megawati's running mate despite Gus Dur's fierce
opposition.
"I never had any hard feelings for Mbak Mega, this is just a
personal thing for me, nothing to do with any political
motivation," Gus Dur said while leaving the residence.