Megawati and Ramos-Horta Discuss Science, Technology and Humanitarian Issues in Jakarta
Indonesia’s fifth President and Chairwoman of the PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri, met with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta at the Megawati Institute in Menteng, Jakarta, on Friday (28/8). The meeting discussed developments in science and technology as well as various humanitarian issues related to technological progress and human life.
PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto said the meeting was expected to serve as a forum for exchanging ideas on scientific and technological developments, including the challenges arising from such progress. ‘It is hoped that today’s agenda proceeds smoothly and becomes a momentum for exchanging thoughts on scientific developments and various current issues. Moreover, those present include Nobel and Turing laureates in their fields. They are the poets of knowledge,’ Hasto said in Jakarta on Friday.
Hasto explained that the delegates present were participants of the Science for Development Summit 2026 who had previously attended a series of forum activities in Dili, Timor-Leste. During the visit to Jakarta, Ramos-Horta led the delegation to meet Megawati and a number of Indonesian figures from the research and scientific community.
Overall, the forum was attended by ten Nobel laureates, including Ramos-Horta, one representative of a Nobel-winning organisation, and four Turing Award recipients. ‘They have just spoken at the Science for Development Summit 2026 in Dili, Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta brought the entire delegation to meet Ibu Megawati and the leadership of the national research agency,’ Hasto said.
Ramos-Horta arrived at the Megawati Institute building at around 12.10 WIB. The Timor-Leste President was seen wearing a blue batik shirt. His arrival was welcomed directly by Megawati, accompanied by her son M. Pranada Prabowo and his wife Nancy Prananda.
Megawati greeted Ramos-Horta warmly as the Timor-Leste President walked towards the entrance of the Megawati Institute building. The two then shook hands and appeared to converse in a cordial atmosphere. Megawati also held Ramos-Horta’s hand and led him to the balcony near the building entrance.
A photo session then took place before the media present at the location. After the session, Megawati again took Ramos-Horta by the hand to enter the meeting room. Shortly afterwards, the group of Nobel and Turing Award laureates who were part of the Science for Development Summit 2026 delegation arrived at the Megawati Institute. Hasto and PDI-P officials welcomed the delegates.
The series of meetings began with a shared lunch. The agenda then continued with a roundtable discussion. In the forum, Megawati, Ramos-Horta, and several Nobel and Turing Award laureates presented their views and exchanged ideas on developments in science and technology. The discussion also covered the impact of scientific and technological progress on humanity and humanitarian issues. Executive Director of the Megawati Institute Hilmar Farid acted as moderator for the dialogue.