Prabowo and Megawati Forge Close Ties, PSI Highlights Jokowi's Statesmanship
The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) has commented on the growing closeness between President Prabowo Subianto and the 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, during the Pancasila Day celebrations. PSI expressed understanding regarding this developing relationship.
“Mr Prabowo is a statesman, much like Mr Jokowi. From the beginning, Mr Prabowo has demonstrated his intention to unite all national potential for a better Indonesia,” said PSI Central Executive Board Chairman, Bestari Barus, when contacted on Wednesday (3/6/2026).
Bestari also noted that the absence of the 7th President, Jokowi, during this moment of proximity between Prabowo and Megawati is understandable. “Regarding Mr Jokowi not being invited, it is understandable; we understand the situation,” said Bestari Barus.
He added that Prabowo and Jokowi could meet on other occasions, noting that the two leaders frequently visit one another. “Give Mr Prabowo a chance. He appears to be a statesman, inviting everyone, and those invited attend. As for Mr Jokowi, invitations can be official, or as we have seen previously, they can simply visit each other. If it appears he was not invited this time, perhaps he will be in the future. I am confident that Mr Jokowi’s statesmanship allows him to understand this and to continue providing uninterrupted support to Mr Prabowo,” he continued.
Bestari also assessed that there has been no rift between Prabowo and Jokowi, suggesting that Jokowi would not feel slighted by the lack of an invitation. “Give Mr Prabowo the opportunity to join hands. It is not an issue. These two are close friends. It cannot be denied that Mr Jokowi and Mr Prabowo are close friends. Therefore, even if he was not invited today, Mr Jokowi feels no resentment. He understands,” he remarked.
He further noted that the Palace holds the right to determine the guest list for events attended by Prabowo. “Or perhaps there are new mechanisms regarding invitations and determining attendees. That is entirely the prerogative of the Palace,” he added.
Previously, Prabowo and Megawati attended the Pancasila Day ceremony. Prabowo and Megawati appeared to be on friendly terms during the event. The ceremony was held in the courtyard of the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Jakarta, on Monday (1/6/2026). Vice President Gibran Rakabuming was also in attendance.
Following the ceremony, moments of warmth between Prabowo and Megawati were visible. Prabowo was initially seen conversing with the 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) and the 13th Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. Megawati was seen standing behind JK and Ma’ruf Amin. Prabowo then invited Megawati, JK, and Ma’ruf Amin to proceed, but Megawati invited Prabowo to walk with her. Megawati was seen holding Prabowo’s hand as the two walked together, appearing to share a laugh.