Megawati Discusses Friendship with Prabowo and Parties Trying to Pit Them Against Each Other

Indonesia’s 5th President and Chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri, has specifically emphasised that she is friends with President Prabowo Subianto. She pointed to evidence of their closeness during the commemoration of Pancasila Day on 1 June, while also touching on efforts by other parties to pit them against each other.

“Mr Prabowo and I are friends. But they want to separate us. Being friends is being friends, but in politics, what can we do? For democratisation. But I am not his enemy; he is my friend. You saw it on 1 June, right? I was holding hands with him, laughing together. What does that mean? Nothing. Then his associates will try to stir up conflict, saying, ‘Oh, Mrs Mega is trying to oppose Mr Prabowo.’ I can answer that later. Don’t do that! You must be brave, because our country has its legal system,” Megawati said in a written statement on Monday (15/6).

This was conveyed after she inaugurated the renovation of Istana Gebang and the statue of Bung Karno in Blitar. On that occasion, Megawati also delivered an unscripted speech that directly touched on the real issues facing the people, namely the rise in goods prices. Megawati cited the example of chilli prices, which were reported to have reached Rp180,000 per kilogram in several regions. In front of thousands of cadres and sympathisers who packed the grounds of Istana Gebang, Megawati acknowledged that staple food prices are soaring. She even engaged in a direct dialogue, asking the audience to state the price of chillies in their respective areas.

“Have prices here gone up or not? (Audience: Gone up!) What is the price of chillies? One hundred thousand? Sixty thousand? In the eastern regions, I received reports that chillies cost Rp180,000. Just don’t eat chillies anymore. Or what? Start a movement to plant chillies at home,” said Megawati.

However, she reminded them that in voicing complaints regarding economic policy, the public and party cadres must understand the procedures and ethics within the constitutional legal system, especially because PDI-P is currently outside the government. “I know prices have gone up. But I also know the procedures. I am not in the government. Yes, I will convey it, but to whom? To the DPR through the PDI Perjuangan faction. That’s how it is. What is that called? That is procedure, what is that called? Ethics and morals,” she stated.

Besides highlighting price increases at the consumer level, Megawati also expressed her concern for the fate of farmers as the nation’s ‘Soko Guru’ (pillars). Megawati drew lessons from the concept of Marhaenism taught by Bung Karno through his dialogue with Pak Marhaen in Bandung. She stressed the importance of organising farmers so they become self-reliant and capable of achieving food sovereignty. To this end, she again reminded the party of the instruction she issued in 2021 to all party structures to promote the planting of 10 types of food crops as rice companions to prevent the threat of famine.

“Since 2021, as Chairwoman, I have given instructions to all regions to plant 10 food crops as companions to rice. Who has done it? Don’t be arrogant if you are a member of PDI Perjuangan. Aren’t you ashamed of me? I am almost 80 years old, but I can still shout like this. Come on, show some spirit!” she quipped. Megawati reiterated Bung Karno’s fundamental message that the people’s food security is an absolute priority that must be fulfilled to prevent unrest. “That means the number one thing for the people is food. That’s why I asked earlier whether prices had gone up or not,” she said.

The inauguration of the Istana Gebang renovation, attended by thousands of cadres and party leaders, took place solemnly. After the speech and the sounding of the siren concluded, Megawati, along with her family, top party officials, and friends, walked inside to tour the interior of Bung Karno’s childhood home.