Gerindra Reveals Reason Behind Prabowo and Megawati's Close Bond: A Very Strong Friendship

JAKARTA — Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong has revealed the reason behind the closeness shown by President Prabowo Subianto and the 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, during the Pancasila Day commemoration on Monday (1/6/2026).

According to Bahtra, the relationship between the two national figures is based on a very strong, long-standing friendship. “It shows that the relationship between Mr Prabowo and Mrs Megawati is a very strong friendship,” Bahtra told reporters at the DPR RI Building on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

“If we look at the history, Mr Prabowo and Mrs Megawati share a fairly long history of friendship. This is likely why, at every momentum and meeting, Mr Prabowo demonstrates a greater level of intimacy with Mrs Megawati compared to others,” he explained.

The Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR RI noted that such an attitude should serve as an example for both the younger generation and political elites. “Mr Prabowo always respects previous leaders. In every speech, Mr Prabulate always calls for unity and how we build this nation together through mutual cooperation (gotong royong),” he said.

He added that the unity of leaders is an essential asset for facing global geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics. “In times of global challenges, our geopolitics and geo-economics require unity, and our leaders are harmonious. This is not just between Mr Prabowo and Mrs Megawati, but certainly with other leaders as well,” he concluded.

Based on photos released by the Presidential Secretariat, Prabowo was seen holding hands with Megawati after the ceremony concluded. Both leaders, who previously campaigned together during the 2009 Presidential Election, were seen smiling broadly amidst a large group of primary school students.