Hasto: Megawati receives ambassadors from Palestine to Russia during Eid al-Fitr

Secretary General of the PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board, Hasto Kristiyanto, revealed that the attending ambassadors came from the UK, Iran, Palestine, and the Deputy Ambassador of Russia. “These ambassadors spoke cordially with Mrs Megawati, discussing various geopolitical issues as well as matters related to global warming,” said Hasto during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday, as quoted from a written statement. He explained that Megawati’s discussions with the ambassadors did not end there. They agreed to follow up the geopolitical talks in more academic forums, involving the Megawati Institute. The PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board held a halalbihalal event to mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijriah at Building B of the DPP PDIP, which also serves as the headquarters of the party’s National Cultural Board. On this occasion, Hasto was accompanied by several party officials, such as Johanes Oberlin Tobing and Guntur Romli. He stated the reason for choosing Building B as the venue was its larger space and strong Nusantara cultural atmosphere. “At the same time, Mrs Mega was present at the Cultural Board. Gamelan and several musical instruments were also performed; the room is indeed larger and more practical for this halalbihalal momentum,” he said. Hasto also reminded that the halalbihalal tradition, now a national culture, is an ideological legacy from Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. Historically, he continued, the term halalbihalal was coined in 1948 by Kiai Haji Abdul Wahab Chasbullah on the suggestion of Bung Karno to ease national political tensions during that time through the Eid al-Fitr moment. “In this Eid al-Fitr, everyone emphasises the spirit of brotherhood. That is what is prioritised, the spirit of forgiveness,” said Hasto. During the halalbihalal event, Megawati along with the DPP PDIP executives gathered for silaturahim. A number of cadres and invited guests continued to arrive at Building B of DPP PDIP since 11:00 WIB.