Analyst Says PDIP Should Consider Megawati as 2029 Presidential Candidate
Jakarta, VIVA – Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio (Hensa) has assessed that Megawati Soekarnoputri still deserves consideration by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) as a candidate for the 2029 Presidential Election.
He considers the option relevant amid the spotlight that has more frequently been directed at other names such as Pramono Anung.
"It would be surprising if PDIP were to suddenly nominate Megawati Soekarnoputri, but it is possible she could be nominated as this would be Megawati's final political stage," said Hensa in a statement quoted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Hensa noted that Megawati's position is not merely symbolic for the party, but rather that of a figure who still possesses genuine political appeal.
The founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute also underscored the electoral advantages for PDIP should Megawati stand. He assessed that her candidacy could generate a significant coattail effect whilst simultaneously altering the dynamics of the contest against Prabowo Subianto in 2029.
"Because Prabowo would finally have a rival, and although their relationship has been good despite the impression that Megawati is in opposition, the coattail effect for PDIP would be enormous," he said.
Hensa added that another reason PDIP needs to consider Megawati is the matter of base solidarity. He noted that for the party machinery and core voters, Megawati remains an irreplaceable magnet.
"For sympathisers, cadres and PDIP supporters, Megawati commands enormous support. So if she stands, the coattail effect for PDIP would also rise," said Hensa.
Regarding her chances of winning, Hensa acknowledged that Megawati's prospects would not be strong against Prabowo Subianto as the incumbent.
However, he emphasised that the impact on PDIP's strength in the legislative elections is an important consideration.
"Indeed, against Pak Prabowo, it would be difficult to win because he is the incumbent and so far no incumbent has lost in our elections since 2004," said Hensa.
"But for the PDIP coattail effect, it has to be Megawati Soekarnoputri. Because if it is not Bu Mega, they could end up losing to Gerindra, breaking their hat-trick record in legislative elections," he stressed.
In his calculation, legislative competition will become increasingly fierce, partly because Gerindra is expected to intensify its efforts to secure legislative seats.
He considers the option relevant amid the spotlight that has more frequently been directed at other names such as Pramono Anung.
"It would be surprising if PDIP were to suddenly nominate Megawati Soekarnoputri, but it is possible she could be nominated as this would be Megawati's final political stage," said Hensa in a statement quoted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Hensa noted that Megawati's position is not merely symbolic for the party, but rather that of a figure who still possesses genuine political appeal.
The founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute also underscored the electoral advantages for PDIP should Megawati stand. He assessed that her candidacy could generate a significant coattail effect whilst simultaneously altering the dynamics of the contest against Prabowo Subianto in 2029.
"Because Prabowo would finally have a rival, and although their relationship has been good despite the impression that Megawati is in opposition, the coattail effect for PDIP would be enormous," he said.
Hensa added that another reason PDIP needs to consider Megawati is the matter of base solidarity. He noted that for the party machinery and core voters, Megawati remains an irreplaceable magnet.
"For sympathisers, cadres and PDIP supporters, Megawati commands enormous support. So if she stands, the coattail effect for PDIP would also rise," said Hensa.
Regarding her chances of winning, Hensa acknowledged that Megawati's prospects would not be strong against Prabowo Subianto as the incumbent.
However, he emphasised that the impact on PDIP's strength in the legislative elections is an important consideration.
"Indeed, against Pak Prabowo, it would be difficult to win because he is the incumbent and so far no incumbent has lost in our elections since 2004," said Hensa.
"But for the PDIP coattail effect, it has to be Megawati Soekarnoputri. Because if it is not Bu Mega, they could end up losing to Gerindra, breaking their hat-trick record in legislative elections," he stressed.
In his calculation, legislative competition will become increasingly fierce, partly because Gerindra is expected to intensify its efforts to secure legislative seats.