Megawati Unable to Attend Prabowo's Invitation at the Palace
The Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, is reported not to be attending President Prabowo Subianto’s invitation at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta this evening.
Deddy Yevri Hanteru Sitorus, Head of the PDIP’s Central Leadership Board for Electoral Victory, confirmed that Megawati received an invitation for a meeting at the Palace. However, he said Megawati would be absent as she has been out of town since last week.
“Ibu Mega is unable to attend because she is participating in a series of internal party events that have been planned for a long time in Bali,” Deddy said when contacted on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Deddy emphasised that the internal party event had been scheduled before the invitation from Prabowo arrived. He claimed he was not certain when the invitation was sent. “I only heard about the invitation during the Central Leadership Board meeting from the Secretary General (Hasto Kristiyanto),” said the Commission II member of the House of Representatives.
According to Deddy, Megawati will return by the end of this week. Therefore, Megawati will not attend the gathering this evening.
President Prabowo Subianto invited a range of former presidents, former vice presidents, former foreign ministers, and party leaders to the Presidential Palace.
Several former state officials confirmed they would attend Prabowo’s invitation. Former President Joko Widodo, for instance, was confirmed to be attending by his aide, Senior Police Commissioner Syarif Muhammad Fitriansyah.
Sixth President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was also reported to be attending. “If there is an invitation from the President, Pak SBY will certainly attend,” said the Democratic Party’s Secretary General Herman Khaeron when contacted.
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla also confirmed he would attend the audience with President Prabowo Subianto today. “God willing,” Kalla said.
Meanwhile, Gerindra Party’s Daily Chairperson Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said the meeting would discuss several matters. “The invitation is of course about paying respects, especially during the month of Ramadan,” said Dasco at the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
He said that at the meeting, President Prabowo would provide the latest information on the geopolitical situation following his overseas trip. “Then, Pak Prabowo also wants to hear input and suggestions from former presidents,” Dasco said.
The Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives said the suggestions from former presidents and vice presidents would be considered by Prabowo, including in planning steps related to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“Mitigation for the nation and state from the impact (of war), which could also affect our country,” he said.