Warmth on Pancasila Day: Said Abdullah Reveals Three Secrets to the Enduring Relationship Between Megawati and Prabowo

The warmth displayed by President Prabowo Subianto and the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri, during the commemoration of Pancasila Day on Monday (1/6/2026), has captured public attention. Although PDI-P has currently chosen to remain outside the government as a balancing party, the relationship between the two figures is considered to be well-maintained.

Said Abdullah, a member of the PDI-P Central Executive Board, stated that there are three factors contributing to the continued harmony between Megawati and Prabowo. According to Said, the first factor is a friendship that has spanned decades. Notably, Megawati and Prabowo previously ran as a presidential and vice-presidential pair during the 2009 Presidential Election.

“The two served as a presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair. That friendship and connection have continued even after the 2009 election concluded,” he said in a written statement received on Tuesday (2/6/2026). “Their friendship is robust, far beyond the superficial connections often perceived by the public. Their friendship is sincere and without flaw,” he added.

The second factor, according to Said, is their relationship in their capacities as national figures. Megawati currently serves as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Agency for the Development of Pancasila Ideology (BPIP) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

“Even though the presidency has changed and PDI-P is not part of the government, President Prabowo continues to entrust those state duties to Mrs Megawati,” he said. Said noted that this trust demonstrates that Prabowo views Megawati as a statesman with the capacity to undertake strategic national tasks that transcend practical political interests. He added that both share a common view on the importance of institutions like BPIP, which are led by figures with a strong commitment to instilling Pancasila values. “Matters regarding Pancasila transcend everything, and that is the guiding principle for both. Therefore, the warmth shown during the Pancasila Day commemoration is a manifestation of this,” said Said.

The third factor, Said continued, is the shared vision for national politics held by Megawati and Prabowo. According to Said, although PDI-P has chosen to remain outside the government as a balancing party, Prabowo does not view this position as a form of political hostility. He cited Prabowo’s speech to the House of Representatives (DPR) on 20 May 2026, which demonstrated respect for the various inputs provided by PDI-P cadres. He noted that this same spirit is reflected in the relationship between the PDI-P and Gerindra factions in the DPR, which continue to maintain communication and cooperation in discussing various government policies. “Both factions can discuss and exchange views regarding government policies and programmes, even if differences of opinion arise in some matters,” he concluded.