Hasto's Remarks on the Conversation Between Megawati and Prabowo at the Palace
Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Hasto Kristiyanto, disclosed the content of the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and PDI-P General Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. The two leaders met at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
Megawati, Hasto said, recounted the meeting’s content to him. “Mother Megawati conveyed to me that it was a meeting between old friends and took place amicably for more than two hours,” Hasto stated in his remarks.
According to Hasto, Megawati and Prabowo discussed various topics, from domestic issues to geopolitics. Hasto noted that Megawati, who once served as president, shared her experiences with Prabowo.
Hasto said Megawati has extensive experience in resolving crises. Megawati, he added, emphasised the importance of a sense of priority and sense of urgency in government during her discussion with Prabowo.
Regarding geopolitics, Hasto said, Megawati discussed Indonesia’s track record in foreign relations. “In particular, Indonesia’s pioneering role in the Asian-African Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement, and various important roles in building a new world order through active independent foreign policy,” he stated.
Hasto remarked that the meeting between Megawati and Prabowo was an excellent opportunity for exchanging ideas. “Mother Megawati also recounted her most recent visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Furthermore, Hasto stated that the meeting between the two aligned with the nation’s culture that embodies the spirit of gotong royong. “Meetings between national leaders, as occurred with President Prabowo and the Fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, besides being in line with the nation’s culture of mutual dialogue and deliberation, are also intended for the interests of the people, nation, and state,” he said.
President Prabowo met with Megawati Soekarnoputri during the month of Ramadan at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The Cabinet Secretariat announced the meeting between the two via its social media account @sekretariat.kabinet on the same day.
“On the 29th day of Ramadan approaching Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, President Prabowo Subianto received the visit of the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mother Megawati Soekarnoputri, at Merdeka Palace,” as stated in the caption.
In the photo shared by the Cabinet Secretariat, Prabowo appeared to hold Megawati’s hand. The Head of State was seen leading the woman who was once his running mate in the 2009 presidential election as they ascended the steps of Merdeka Palace.
Megawati wore batik-patterned clothing with a blue motif during the meeting. Meanwhile, Prabowo wore a khaki safari suit complete with a presidential pin.
In this visit, Megawati was accompanied by her daughter, who is also the Chair of the House of Representatives from PDI-P, Puan Maharani. Prabowo was joined by Gerindra’s Daily Chairman and Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. Prabowo’s son, Didit Hediprasetyo, also accompanied his father in the meeting.