President Megawati to meet Gus Dur at NU conference

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.