Surya Paloh Attends Prabowo Ramadan Iftar at Istana Merdeka; Jokowi and SBY Present

Chairman of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh, accepted an invitation from President Prabowo Subianto to attend the Ramadan iftar at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Tuesday night. The meeting was described as an important moment of cordial relations between the head of state and political party leaders. Paloh arrived at the Presidential Palace complex around 18:30 local time. To the press, he said his attendance was in prime condition for discussions with the President and other national figures. Regarding the substance of the talks, Paloh admitted he did not know in depth the topics to be discussed at the dinner. He emphasised he would listen first to the points presented by President Prabowo as host. ‘Not sure yet. Yes, discussion. We’ll see what is discussed; we will listen first, Mr President who invited us,’ Paloh said briefly. Asked about the possibility of a crucial issue being conveyed personally, Paloh noted that as a political party leader he would have strategic views. Yet he chose to observe how the situation unfolded during the gathering. ‘As a political party leader, there will certainly be views. But we will see in one setting,’ he added. The Ramadan iftar at Istana Merdeka this evening was not only attended by party leaders, but also served as a reunion of former Indonesian leaders. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed the presence of several high-profile figures. According to protocol data, present at the event were President Joko Widodo (7th) and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY, 6th). In addition, the line-up of former vice-presidents also appeared, from Jusuf Kalla (Vice President 10th and 12th), Ma’ruf Amin (Vice President 13th), to Boediono (Vice President 11th). Meanwhile, regarding the attendance of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, the Palace said it was still coordinating further. ‘Regarding Madam Megawati’s attendance, we will check again with the protocol section,’ Teddy said. Paloh’s presence among a lineup of national figures such as SBY and Jokowi at Istana Merdeka sends a strong signal of national political consolidation in early 2026, while also demonstrating harmony between the government coalition and allied parties in parliament. The meeting is expected to be a forum for civil but productive discussions on the challenges facing the nation, both domestically and in global geopolitics. (Z-10) President Prabowo Subianto invited SBY, Jokowi, Jusuf Kalla, and other party chiefs to Istana Merdeka tonight. Follow the programme and list of attendees.