VP Megawati offers her favorite food to Gus Dur
JAKARTA (JP): After letting President Abdurrahman Wahid have breakfast without her at her residence last week, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri prepared one of her favorite East Java specialities nasi rawon (rice with beef soup) for the President and the military top brass on Wednesday.
Abdurrahman, who is facing a possible impeachment threat for his poor performance in government, apparently tried to regain her heart by using his skill at making jokes.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said during the 75-minute meeting that they did not discuss the second memorandum of censure issued by the House of Representatives (DPR) against the President on Monday.
Abdurrahman and Megawati have not met since last Wednesday. On Tuesday, the President played down rumors about their worsening relationship.
"The atmosphere of the meeting was friendly. The memorandum was not discussed, and as usual the President told jokes," Endriartono said after the breakfast.
Also present were Coordinating Minister for Social, Political and Security Affairs Gen. (ret.) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S.
Megawati's aides recounted how Abdurrahman often used his old tactics when she was upset with him.
"I miss your cooking. I have come here just because I want to eat, please," the official said, recounting Abdurrahman's typical flattery.
"Despite still being angry with him, Ibu still cooked for him. And after eating, the President pretended not to know that Ibu was still upset and made several jokes," an official who was in charge of her household recently told The Jakarta Post.
The President continued this style of diplomacy when the two leaders attended the commemoration of National Education Day at the Merdeka Palace later after breakfast.
While Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin was still speaking, the President whispered several times to her and laughed.
During the ceremony, Megawati asked for candy and tissue from her adjutant. She also sometimes used her fan.
Muhaimin himself talked about reconciliation among conflicting people. "Rather than watching each other with suspicion let us shake hands sincerely and in friendship," Muhaimin remarked. Both of the leaders smiled.
In his speech Abdurrahman expressed his relief at Megawati's recovery from her flu.
"I am very happy with Ibu Vice President because she has recovered from her sickness," said the President, and received a big smile from Megawati.
As he finished his speech, he went to his chair, assisted by his adjutant, instead of Megawati, who used to help him sit down.
Separately, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi reiterated that Megawati's personal relations with Abdurrahman remained excellent, although as Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman, she is politically opposed to him.
"Megawati has to follow the aspirations of other party executives," Muzadi said in Surabaya, when asked about Megawati's position. (prb)