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.