President Megawati to meet Gus Dur at NU conference

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri is set to end her standoff with former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid when the two meet each other at the upcoming Nahdlatul Ulama national conference in Malang, East Java, next month.

Megawati's husband Taufik Kiemas, who maintains a good relationship with Abdurrahman, said on Wednesday the two were expected to talk to each other at the venue.

"We hope they will talk to each other, especially because there are no more problems between the two," Taufik said after attending International Anti-Drugs Day celebrations at the State Palace.

Taufik underlined that he had met Abdurrahman, also former NU chairman, and secured his agreement for the planned meeting.

"Let see what will be discussed between the two leaders," Taufik said.

The planned meeting will be the first since Megawati ascended to the presidency, replacing Abdurrahman whom she -- together with the military, the police and other politicians -- ousted from power last July.

Since then the two -- who used to claim to be like brother and sister -- have never met or talked to each other.

Megawati was seen in the same room with Abdurrahman at an event to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Jakarta last January, but the two did not even exchange glances.

Many speculate that Megawati will eventually look to Abdurrahman, following recent meetings by several Muslim groups, which is believed could be a serious challenge to Megawati's power in the future.