After Receiving Award, Megawati Duets with Timor-Leste Leader Singing 'Cinta Hampa'
Megawati Soekarnoputri, General Chairperson of PDI Perjuangan, and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão sang the song “Cinta Hampa” together at a state banquet in Dili on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The moment came after Megawati received Timor-Leste’s highest honour, the Grande Colar da Ordem de Timor-Leste.
Initially, the musical group performing at the event played “Cinta Hampa”, a song by D’Lloyd. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão was known to have chosen the song because it is one of Megawati’s favourites.
The Timor-Leste leader, who is affectionately known as Maun Xanana, immediately rose from his seat. Smiling, he approached Megawati’s table and invited Indonesia’s fifth President to join him on stage.
Megawati accepted Xanana’s invitation to go up on stage. The two sang the song accompanied by the band, with Megawati holding the microphone while Xanana sang alongside her.
The festivities peaked as the song reached its popular chorus. Megawati, clearly enjoying the moment, pointed her microphone towards the guests and delegations in attendance. She invited the entire audience to sing along when they reached the line “heart broken because of love…”.
“Because of what?” Megawati asked spontaneously, interrupting the song to engage the audience.
“Because of love!” the audience — comprising senior Timor-Leste officials and the Indonesian delegation — replied in unison, followed by roars of laughter and resounding applause throughout the room. Megawati was seen laughing heartily at their synchronised response.
After finishing the song, Maun Xanana courteously took Megawati by the hand once more and guided her back to her VIP seat. As they walked side by side, smiling warmly at Megawati, Xanana quipped in an audible voice, “This artist from Indonesia,” he said.
The Timor-Leste Prime Minister’s spontaneous jest drew fresh laughter and enthusiastic applause from all who witnessed the moment. The impromptu duet reflected the deep sense of brotherhood and emotional closeness between the leaders of the two nations.