Prabowo and Megawati Cordial at Pancasila Ceremony as Analyst States Differing Roles Need Not Lead to Hostility

The cordial interaction between President Prabowo Subianto and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri demonstrates that differing political positions need not lead to hostility. Senior Political Researcher at BRIN Lili Romli has praised the maturity of the Gerindra and PDI-P leaders’ conduct, stating it should be welcomed and appreciated by the public. “I believe the public shares the view that both are warm and amicable despite their differing roles—President Prabowo in power and Mrs Megawati outside the government. This cordial relationship is positive and does not necessitate hostility even with their different positions,” Lili Romli said when contacted on Monday, 1 June 2026. Lili added that PDI-P, now outside the government, must remain critical of policies that deviate from public interest and harm citizens. “However, the public also expects this positive relationship not to undermine critical scrutiny of government policies and actions; where mistakes harm public interest, PDI-P must speak out and not remain silent,” Lili stated. Lili stressed that PDI-P’s role in providing checks and balances remains crucial, especially as many political parties now align with the government. She also believes the public, particularly PDI-P supporters, expect the party’s stance to remain firm. Previously reported, President Prabowo Subianto and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri were seen smiling after the Pancasila Day ceremony at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026. The two left the ceremony venue holding hands. According to footage from the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel, President Prabowo descended from the podium to greet former presidents and vice-presidents, including Megawati, Jusuf Kalla, and Ma’ruf Amin. He then shook hands with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, members of the Red and White Cabinet, and leaders of the DPD, DPR, and MPR. Following this, Prabowo entered a room directly behind the ceremony podium.