Hasto Reveals Content of Prabowo-Megawati Meeting: Discussing National Issues
Secretary General of PDI Perjuangan (PDIP), Hasto Kristiyanto, stated that the atmosphere of the meeting between President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and the General Chair of PDIP as well as the 5th President of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri some time ago was very relaxed.
Megawati regarded her meeting with Prabowo as an occasion for renewing ties between two long-time friends.
“Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri met with President Prabowo a few days ago. In fact, the meeting was described by Ibu Mega as a meeting of ‘old friends’,” Hasto told reporters on Saturday, 21 March 2026.
In that meeting, Hasto said Megawati and Prabowo had a fairly in-depth discussion.
The two not only reminisced but also addressed various strategic issues currently facing the nation and the state.
“The meeting took place very amicably, discussing various national and state issues,” he stated.
For PDIP, the meeting represents a manifestation of the nation’s identity that prioritises dialogue and deliberation.
Hasto also responded to questions regarding the possibility of Megawati renewing ties with other former presidents during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah moment.
He affirmed that the essence of Lebaran for Megawati is the universal spirit of brotherhood.
Hasto also recalled that the halalbihalal tradition, now a national culture, is an ideological legacy from the 1st President of Indonesia, 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 Eid al-Fitr momentum at that time.
“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 continue to be preserved by political elites.
“And that was pioneered by Bung Karno through halalbihalal, which is a very distinctive Indonesian tradition for celebrating Eid al-Fitr and truly embodies Indonesian culture,” he added.