Said: Prabowo-Megawati Handshake Reflects National Politics
The Chairman of the PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board, Said Abdullah, believes that the moment of togetherness between President Prabowo Subianto and the 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, during the Pancame Pancasila Day commemoration reflects a long-standing friendship. According to Said, the closeness between these two national figures does not stem from momentary political interests, but was built through a long journey spanning decades.
“The relationship between Mrs Megawati and President Prabowo can be seen in several aspects. First is the aspect of long-term friendship. Both have been friends for decades and once fought together in the 2009 Presidential Election as a presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair,” Said stated on Tuesday (2/6).
He explained that the relationship and rapport between Megawati and Prabowo have remained intact despite both being in different political positions on several occasions. Even when PDI Perjuangan endorsed Joko Widodo in the 2014 Presidential Election and faced Prabowo in the national political contest, communication and friendship continued smoothly.
“Their friendship is solid, not merely the superficial friendship often seen by the public. Their friendship is sincere and without flaw,” he said.
Beyond friendship, Said highlighted the trust Prabowo has placed in Megawati by allowing her to continue serving as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Agency for the Strengthening of Pancasila Ideology (BPIP) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). He noted that this decision shows Prabowo views Megawati as a statesman with the capacity and experience to carry out strategic state duties.
“Even though PDI Perjuangan is not part of the government, President Prabowo views Mrs Mega as possessing statesmanship, as does President Prabowo himself, so the matter transcends practical politics,” said Said.
He added that both figures share a common view on the importance of maintaining and instilling Pancasila values among all Indonesian people. “The matter of Pancasila transcends everything, and that is what both of them follow. Therefore, the warmth during the Pancasila Day commemoration is a manifestation of this.”
Said also assessed that the relationship between Megawati and Prabowo is built on a foundation of national politics. He argued that the differing political positions between the government and PDI Perjuangan as a balancing party have never been interpreted as hostility. He cited President Prabowo’s speech to the House of Representatives (DPR) on 20 May, which respected and appreciated various inputs from PDI Perjuangan cadres in parliament.
“To me, both figures have reached a level of ‘politics beyond’, politicking for the nation and the state, rather than solely for power,” Said remarked.
Consequently, the relationship between Megawati and Prabowo remains well-maintained despite being on different political paths. This exemplary relationship is also reflected in the connection between the PDI Perjuantan and Gerindra factions in the DPR. “I believe this example is followed by the ranks of the PDI Perjuantan and Gerindra factions in the DPR. Both factions can interact fluidly, discussing and exchanging views on various government policies and programmes. Although there are differences in some aspects, both understand their respective positions and respect each other as political allies who can synergise,” said Said.
The moment where President Prabowo Subianto was seen holding hands with Megawati Soekarnoputri occurred following the Pancasila Day Ceremony at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, on Monday (1/6). The moment occurred after the ceremony concluded. After serving as the ceremony inspector, Prabowo immediately greeted several officials in attendance. Prabowo then approached Megawati and two former Vice Presidents, Jusuf Kalla and Ma’ruf Amin. Prabowo and these figures then entered the interior of the Pancasila Building. Prabowo walked alongside while conversing with Jusuf Kalla, K.H. Ma’ruf Amin, and Megawati. After conversing with JK and Ma’ruf, Prabowo invited Mega to walk ahead. However, the PDI Perjuantan Chairperson declined, asking Prabowo to lead instead. After a brief moment of neither yielding, Megawati extended her hand towards Prabowo, which he accepted, and they proceeded to walk together holding hands.