National Conscience Movement Figures Meet Megawati to Discuss National Issues
Leaders of the National Conscience Movement (GNB) met with the Chairperson of the PDIP, Megawati Soekarnoputri, at the Megawati Institute in Jakarta on Monday (22/6).
GNB member Lukman Hakim Saifuddin stated that the primary purpose of the meeting with Megawati was to maintain social ties. “Equally important is that we shared information regarding the situation and conditions of our community life, including, of course, governmental and national life,” Lukman said following the meeting.
In addition to Lukman, other GNB figures were in attendance, including GNB Chairperson Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, Jakarta Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Father Franz Magnis Suseno, and Laode M. Syarif. Also present were PDIP faction members of the DPR, Pinka Haprani, Hendrawan Supratikno, Selly Andriany Gantina, and Bonnie Triyana, alongside PDIP politician Andi Widjajanto.
Cardinal Suharyo noted that the group gathered to discuss and exchange ideas regarding national issues. “So that we can see reality well and correctly. Not with emotion, not with interests, but sincerely and purely for the interest of our nation,” said Cardinal Suharyo.
Meanwhile, Laode Syarif addressed the legislative process within the DPR, which he assessed as proceeding without adequate public consultation. He claimed that the aspirations of the people are not reflected in the laws produced by the DPR and the government. “For example, the revision of the National Police Law. It does not accommodate all the recommendations provided by the Reform Commission at all,” said Laode.
During the meeting, Megawati shared a moment of closeness with GNB Chairperson Sinta Nuriyah Wahid. The two appeared to engage in warm conversation, with Megawati even occasionally assisting with the handle of Sinta’s wheelchair. Megawati was also seen discussing matters with Anita Wahid, who was also present.
Megawati served as the Vice President of Indonesia alongside Gus Dur in 1999. Gus Dur held the presidency only until 2001, when he was impeached by the MPR after issuing a Presidential Decree aimed at dissolving the DPR/MPR. Following this, Megawati ascended to become the 5th President of Indonesia, serving until 2004.