Analyst: Prabowo-Megawati Relationship Positive, But PDI-P Must Uphold Critical Role

JAKARTA - Senior Political Researcher at BRIN Lili Romli said the amicable relationship between President Prabowo Subianto and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri is positive. However, Lili stressed that the PDI-P, currently in opposition, must not weaken and must remain critical while fulfilling its role in the democratic system. “A warm relationship is positive; they don’t need to be hostile despite differing positions. However, the public also expects this good rapport not to erode critical scrutiny of government policies and actions,” Lili said when contacted on Monday, 1 June 2026. Therefore, PDI-P’s position outside the government and consistent adherence to check-and-balance functions must be maintained for the sake of democracy. “If there are mistakes that harm public interests, they must speak out; they cannot stay silent,” Lili Romli stressed. “The public expects PDI-P, outside government, to uphold check-and-balance mechanisms, provide oversight, and serve as a channel for public aspirations,” she concluded. Previously reported, President Prabowo Subianto and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri smiled warmly after the Pancasila Day ceremony at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, on Monday, 1 June 2026. According to footage from the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel, Prabowo descended from the ceremony podium to greet former presidents and vice-presidents, including Megawati, Jusuf Kalla, and Ma’ruf Amin. He then shook hands with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, members of the Red-White Cabinet, and leaders of the DPD, DPR, and MPR. Afterward, Prabowo entered a room behind the ceremony podium. Prabowo was seen chatting with Jusuf Kalla, Ma’ruf Amin, Megawati, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. At the back, Gibran was observed merely watching. The eldest son of former President Joko Widodo then engaged in conversation with MPR Chair Ahmad Muzani.