Hasto Reveals Atmosphere of Megawati-Prabowo Meeting: Relaxed Like Old Friends
Secretary General of the PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board, Hasto Kristiyanto, revealed the atmosphere of the meeting between PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri and President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace some time ago, which took place in a very relaxed manner.
Although it was a formal state agenda, Megawati viewed the moment as an opportunity for “old friends” to reconnect, filled with in-depth discussions on various strategic national issues.
“The meeting was very friendly, discussing various problems of the nation and state,” Hasto said during a press conference at the PDIP Central Executive Board Building B, Menteng, Jakarta, on Saturday.
The two national figures utilised the fairly long meeting to engage in deep discussions, not only reminiscing but also addressing national strategic issues.
Hasto emphasised that for PDIP, this meeting embodies the nation’s identity that prioritises dialogue and deliberation. He added that the halal bihalal tradition, now a national culture, is an ideological legacy from Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno.
Historically, the term halal bihalal was coined in 1948 by Kiai Haji Abdul Wahab Chasbullah on the advice of Bung Karno to ease national political tensions through the Eid al-Fitr moment.
“In this Eid al-Fitr, everyone prioritises the spirit of brotherhood. That is what is emphasised, the spirit of forgiveness,” he continued.
According to him, this tradition is the authentic strength of Indonesian culture that must continue to be preserved by political elites. “And it was pioneered by Bung Karno through halal bihalal, which is a very distinctive Indonesian tradition for celebrating Eid al-Fitr and truly embodies Indonesian culture,” he stated.
Meanwhile, at this year’s Open House event, Megawati also received visits from several ambassadors of friendly countries during the halal bihalal at the PDIP Central Executive Board Building B. Hasto explained that the ambassadors present were from the United Kingdom, Iran, Palestine, and the Deputy Ambassador of Russia.
“The ambassadors spoke warmly with Ibu Megawati, discussing various geopolitical issues to global warming,” he said. These discussions will be followed up in more academic forums involving the Megawati Institute.
The halal bihalal held at PDIP Central Executive Board Building B was lively, attended by party officials such as Johanes Oberlin Tobing and Guntur Romli. Building B was chosen because it is spacious and has a Nusantara cultural atmosphere, complete with traditional music entertainment like gamelan, making the reconnection moment warmer and more memorable.
“At the same time, Ibu Mega was present at the Cultural Board. Gamelan and several musical instruments were also performed earlier; the room is indeed larger and more practical for this halal bihalal momentum,” he said.
Hasto emphasised that the essence of Eid al-Fitr is universal brotherhood and the spirit of mutual forgiveness, values that continue to be upheld by Megawati and PDIP officials in the halal bihalal tradition.
The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Indonesia’s 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri today (20/3) is seen as refuting speculation of cracks in their relationship that had circulated in public.
The meeting, which discussed unity and national spirit, aims to strengthen ties ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah.
President Prabowo Subianto received a visit from Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace (19/3). This warm meeting discussed strategic issues and national figures’ reconnection.
Megawati’s letter to Mojtaba Khamenei was handed over to the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi.
Thanksgiving for the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Megawati as well as performing umrah together with her two children, Puan Maharani and Prananda Prabowo.
Dimas assessed that the meeting reflects the statesmanship of two great national figures.