Receiving Megawati at the Palace, Prabowo Deemed a Statesman and Politically Mature
President Prabowo Subianto received PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri at the State Palace this afternoon. Prabowo is considered to possess a high degree of statesmanship because he remains willing to meet Megawati despite holding opposing positions in the government.
This assessment was expressed by Trias Politika Executive Director Agung Baskoro. He stated that Prabowo’s statesmanlike attitude should be emulated by political elites in Indonesia.
“The President has a high spirit of statesmanship; in my view, this needs to serve as an example for other political elites, regardless of very sharp differences in views. Because this can become a positive precedent for other political elites to become more mature in politics and democracy, since good democracy operates above all kinds of differences, above dynamic and varied aspirations,” Agung said when contacted on Thursday (19/3/2026).
He also hopes that the meeting between Prabowo and Megawati can continue in the future. In this way, he said, the government can remain objective in carrying out its administration.
“The hope is that communication between key figures, both President Prabowo and Mrs Megawati, can continue, considering that PDIP is outside the government, so what? So that the government’s objectivity in carrying out its performance and professionalism can be maintained, and ultimately this is very good for the people, because the people receive input from various dimensions and various perspectives,” he stated.
Furthermore, Agung noted that the meeting between these two national figures also signals closeness in relations. He recalled Prabowo’s previous meeting with former presidents and vice presidents, which Megawati had not attended.
“Personally, the relationship between President Prabowo and Mrs Megawati is very good, so when the meeting between former presidents and former vice presidents occurred yesterday, Mrs Mega was not yet able to attend, this opportunity arose and was utilised by both, both by President Prabowo and Mrs Megawati, to reconnect communication and maintain ties, so the President can maximally embrace all national figures,” he explained.
Additionally, he assessed that institutionally, the meeting between Prabowo and Megawati reaffirms Prabowo’s commitment to inclusive politics. Prabowo, he said, wants to ensure he receives input from all sides regarding his performance so far.
“This is good and positive for our democracy, and Mrs Mega and PDIP are already in a balancing position, meaning as a critical partner and strategic partner, so input, criticism, and suggestions can continue without any bias because the basis is objectivity, professionalism, and proportionality, so that our democracy and the welfare of our society remain guaranteed,” he remarked.
As is known, President Prabowo Subianto received PDIP Chairwoman, who is also the fifth President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, this afternoon. What was discussed?
“The President received Mrs Megawati at the Palace this afternoon,” said a detikcom source at the Palace on Thursday (19/3).
The meeting lasted quite a long time. The discussion was reportedly comprehensive and warm.
“About an hour or two ago it started,” the source said.
However, the content of the meeting is not yet known. “Clearly, this is proof that the President is a statesman who can receive a national figure who is not even from a coalition party,” the source revealed.