Hasto: Megawati-Prabowo Meeting Feels Like Old Friends Reuniting
Jakarta (ANTARA) - PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Central Executive Board Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto revealed that the atmosphere of the meeting between PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta a few days ago felt very relaxed, despite being a formal state agenda.
Hasto explained that Megawati viewed her meeting with Prabowo as an opportunity for two long-time friends to reconnect.
“Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri met with President Prabowo a few days ago. In fact, Ibu Mega described the meeting as one between ‘old friends’,” Hasto said during a press conference at Building B of the PDIP Central Executive Board office in Menteng, Jakarta, on Saturday.
Hasto added that the lengthy duration of the meeting at the palace was used by the two national figures for in-depth discussions.
They did not only reminisce but also addressed various strategic issues currently facing the nation and the state.
“The meeting took place very amicably, discussing various matters concerning the nation and the state,” he stated.
For PDIP, the meeting represents a manifestation of the nation’s identity that prioritises dialogue and deliberation.
Hasto also responded to questions about the possibility of Megawati’s reconnection with other former presidents during Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.
He affirmed that the essence of Lebaran for Megawati is the universal spirit of brotherhood.
Hasto recalled that the halalbihalal tradition, now a national culture, is an ideological legacy from Indonesia’s first president, Bung Karno.
Historically, the term halalbihalal was coined in 1948 by Kiai Haji Abdul Wahab Chasbullah on Bung Karno’s suggestion to ease national political tensions through the momentum of Eid al-Fitr.
“During this Eid al-Fitr, everyone prioritises the spirit of brotherhood. That is what is emphasised, the spirit of forgiveness,” said Hasto.
According to him, this tradition is the authentic strength of Indonesian culture that must be continuously upheld by political elites.
“And it was pioneered by Bung Karno through halalbihalal, which is a very distinctive Indonesian way of celebrating Eid al-Fitr and truly embodies Indonesian culture,” he added.