Jusuf Kalla Praises Megawati: The Most Democratic Person
Vice President 10th and 12th Jusuf Kalla has showered praise on PDI Perjuangan General Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. According to him, the daughter of Sukarno is one of the people who most upholds the principles of democracy.
“Mrs Mega is extraordinary. The most democratic person,” he said during a press conference at his home in South Jakarta on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
Kalla recounted his experience when asked by Megawati to accompany and guide Jokowi in the 2014 presidential election. He explained that the leader of the bull party truly internalised the strategy before deciding to nominate Jokowi in the electoral fray 12 years ago.
Megawati, Kalla said, did not want to hastily sign the party’s decision to nominate Jokowi as the PDIP presidential candidate. Megawati only wanted to sign if Kalla accepted the offer to accompany Jokowi in the 2014 presidential election.
“So, in the end (I) agreed. I work for the country, not for Jokowi,” he stated.
Initially, Kalla had doubts about Megawati’s decision to nominate Jokowi as president. Because, according to Kalla, at that time Jokowi had only served two years as Jakarta Governor.
“I said don’t, not enough experience yet. It will ruin this country,” said JK, his nickname.
However, Megawati insisted on asking Kalla to become the vice presidential candidate put forward by the bull party. The 5th President trusted Kalla’s experience in government to help the cabinet’s performance.
In addition, Kalla felt he had a historical closeness with Jokowi. Because, he said, Jokowi’s victory in the Jakarta Regional Election could not be separated from his contribution.
Kalla recounted that he once suggested to Megawati to bring Jokowi from Solo to Jakarta. At that time, Jokowi was still serving as Mayor of Solo, before being elected as Jakarta Governor in 2012.
“I (said) to Megawati. ‘Mother, there is a good PDIP candidate here’,” he said, imitating his words at the time.
However, Megawati did not immediately agree to Kalla’s suggestion to nominate Jokowi in the Jakarta Regional Election. Kalla continued to suggest it until Megawati decided to nominate Jokowi as Jakarta Governor.