Megawati Receives Visit from Australian Ambassador, Discusses Global Dynamics
The meeting took place at Megawati’s residence in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, on Monday (11/5/2026). Megawati and Ambassador Rod discussed Indonesia-Australia relations as well as the global geopolitical situation.
In the meeting, Megawati was accompanied by PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, Head of PDIP’s Strategic Policy Research and Analysis Agency Andi Widjajanto, and PDIP Director of Foreign Relations Hanjaya Setiawan. Meanwhile, Rod Brazier was accompanied by Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Indonesia Gita Kamath.
Megawati and Ambassador Rod agreed that the city of Darwin could serve as a gateway for Australia’s economic cooperation with Papua and East Nusa Tenggara. The Indonesian-fluent Ambassador Rod admitted to having a close connection with Makassar, having participated in a student exchange programme at Hasanuddin University.
“I have been [Ambassador] for one year and three months. I once took part in a student exchange at Hasanuddin University and lived with an Indonesian family in Makassar. At that time, it was called Ujung Pandang,” said Ambassador Rod.
Their conversation grew warmer when discussing diplomacy. Ambassador Rod expressed admiration for Sukarno as a revolutionary leader and his role in initiating the Asia-Africa Conference.
Megawati then recounted her experiences while serving as President. She stated that Bung Karno taught the importance of respecting ambassadors as representatives of sovereign friendly nations.
“I was taught by Bung Karno that if there is an embassy representative who wants to meet, they must be received immediately and welcomed well because the ambassadors represent a sovereign country. That is why, when I was President, and an ambassador wanted to meet, I always prioritised it,” Megawati explained.
The two also discussed the global geopolitical situation. Megawati highlighted the detrimental impact of wars on all parties.
Megawati hopes that the UN can play a greater role in maintaining world peace. Ambassador Rod agreed that the current global conditions also have serious impacts on Australia, including the surge in fuel prices.
On that occasion, Rod admitted to having recently visited and heard about Megawati’s contributions to the development of botanical gardens in Indonesia. Megawati is known to also chair the Indonesian Botanical Gardens Foundation.
“I always encourage commitment to the environment. Now there are more than 45 Botanical Gardens. Every PDIP regional head is asked to establish a Botanical Garden,” said Megawati.
Megawati stated that she often invites ambassadors to visit botanical gardens in various regions of Indonesia. According to her, many ambassadors are interested in seeing them.
“Most Ambassadors want to see the Bali Botanical Garden,” said Megawati.